Raja Raghuvanshi Murder: SIT Hunts For Crucial Evidence In Indore

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Meghalaya Police has arrived in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, to gather additional evidence in the high-profile honeymoon murder case of Raja Raghuvanshi.

According to a report by HT Raghuvanshi had travelled to Meghalaya with his wife, Sonam, in May. A few days later, he went missing, and on June 2, his mutilated body was discovered at the bottom of a gorge near a waterfall in Sohra (Cherrapunji), East Khasi Hills district. On June 9, police arrested eight people, including Sonam and her alleged lover, Raj Kushwaha.

Currently, five accused - Sonam, Raj, Anand Kurmi, Vishal Chauhan, and Akash Rajput - remain in judicial custody, while three others - Shilom James, Lokendra Tomar, and Balveer Ahirwar - who were accused of tampering with evidence, have secured bail.

According to officers, the SIT is focusing on reconstructing the planning of the murder. Investigators are probing the purchase of SIM cards and mobile phones allegedly used in the conspiracy and are recording the statements of witnesses aware of Sonam and Raj's relationship.

The Shillong Police have also interrogated Raj's friends, Bharat Jadhav and Abhishek More, who were in touch with him after the killing. "The questioning centred on their phone conversations post-murder and their knowledge of Raj's relationship with Sonam," an Indore police official said.

Both Jadhav and More reportedly told investigators that Raj was their neighbour, and they had casual conversations with him after the incident, insisting they were unaware of his involvement in the crime. "They denied having any knowledge of the affair," the officer added.

During their probe in Indore, SIT members also visited a mobile shop in the Banganga area, where Raj had allegedly purchased two SIM cards. One of the SIMs was bought using documents belonging to Anand, who is now lodged in jail.

The SIT is expected to submit its chargesheet in the first week of September. Meanwhile, bail petitions filed by all accused are pending in court, with Raja's family lawyer opposing their release.

Raghuvanshi had married Sonam on May 11 and travelled to Meghalaya on May 20. His body was located by a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) drone on June 2, following which the arrests were made on June 9.