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The tragic case of Raja Raghuvanshi's murder in Meghalaya, often referred to as the 'honeymoon murder,' has taken a significant turn as the Meghalaya police meticulously recreated the crime scene near the picturesque Weisawdong Falls in the Sohra area. This reconstruction, conducted on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, involved four of the five individuals accused of the heinous act. The aim was to corroborate the testimonies of the accused and gain a clearer understanding of the events that transpired leading to Raja Raghuvanshi's untimely death. The individuals taken to the crime scene included Raja's wife, Sonam, who is suspected of orchestrating the murder, and the three alleged hired killers: Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi. The fifth accused, Raj Kushwaha, was conspicuously absent from the reconstruction. The Superintendent of Police (SP) of East Khasi Hills, Vivek Syiem, played a pivotal role in overseeing the reconstruction process. He emphasized that the recreation was based on the admissions made by the accused during their interrogation. The police aimed to replay the sequence of events as described by the accused, thereby solidifying the evidence against them and uncovering any inconsistencies in their accounts. The SP further revealed that the accused had attempted to eliminate Raja at various locations before finally executing their plan at the viewpoint near Weisawdong Falls, capitalizing on the absence of other people. To effectively simulate the events, the police enlisted the assistance of a Fire and Emergency Services personnel to represent Raja's role. This allowed them to accurately ascertain the positions of each individual involved in the murder and meticulously analyze the manner in which the blows were inflicted. According to Mr. Syiem, Raja sustained three blows, delivered in succession by Vishal alias Vicky, Anand, and Akash. The gravity of Sonam's alleged involvement was further underscored by the revelation that she purportedly signaled the hired killers to proceed with the murder just before they reached the parking lot. She was present at the scene when the first blow was struck, causing Raja to bleed profusely. However, Sonam allegedly distanced herself from the immediate vicinity as Raja screamed in agony after falling. Subsequently, the three male accused are believed to have disposed of Raja's body. The post-mortem examination confirmed the presence of two cut marks on Raja's head, with the first blow identified as the lethal one, delivered with significant force using both hands. The discovery of Raja's decomposed body near Weisawdong Falls on June 2, approximately ten days after he and Sonam were reported missing, marked a crucial point in the investigation. The subsequent recovery of two machetes, one of which was located with the aid of metal detectors, further strengthened the case against the accused. The investigation also revealed that Akash had discarded his white shirt, which was later recovered with the body. Akash himself led the police to the location where he had thrown the shirt. SP Syiem elucidated that Raja was unfamiliar with his assailants, who had befriended him in Sohra prior to the murder. Further investigation revealed Sonam's deliberate attempts to remain incommunicado following Raja's death. She destroyed one of the two phones she possessed and handed the other to a co-accused. The entire sequence of events, including the accused's exit from Sohra, was meticulously reenacted and recorded through videography, providing the police with a comprehensive visual record of the crime. Sonam, according to Mr. Syiem, has admitted to her involvement in the scheme and has claimed that Sohra was chosen by chance. The Meghalaya police are now extending their investigation to Indore, where they intend to question Sonam's family members. A search of Sonam's flat in Indore revealed that it was vacant. While a love triangle has emerged as a potential motive, the police are actively exploring other possibilities. The fact that Raj Kushwaha, the fifth accused, did not accompany the others to Meghalaya is attributed to his employment with Sonam's family company. His absence from Indore would have likely aroused suspicion. The police are currently deliberating with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to determine whether Raj Kushwaha's custody is required for further interrogation. Two videos have surfaced on social media, one depicting Raja and Sonam, and the other showing the three hitmen climbing the hill. The police intend to summon the individual who filmed these videos, as the footage could potentially provide valuable insights into the events leading up to the murder.
In a parallel development, Rajesh Dandotiya, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) in Indore, affirmed that the SIT members have engaged in discussions with senior officers of the Indore police. The crime branch has pledged its full support to the Meghalaya police in investigating local angles related to the case. Mr. Dandotiya assured that all possible assistance would be extended to the SIT. However, he declined to disclose specific details of the ongoing investigation. Another senior crime branch officer revealed that the SIT and the local police team visited the apartment in the Lasuriya area of Indore where Sonam resided after returning from Meghalaya. However, no significant evidence was recovered from the apartment. The SIT is expected to remain in Indore for several days, focusing on aspects beyond the alleged love triangle. They are scheduled to commence questioning the family members of all five accused to gather comprehensive information about their backgrounds. Furthermore, the SIT members are anticipated to meet with Raja's family to gain their perspective on the matter. This information was provided by the officer under the condition of anonymity. This complex case involves meticulous police work, recreating the crime scene to strengthen evidence.
The investigation continues to unfold, with the Meghalaya and Indore police forces collaborating to uncover the complete truth behind Raja Raghuvanshi's murder. The reconstruction of the crime scene, the examination of digital evidence, and the interrogation of key individuals are all crucial steps in bringing those responsible to justice and providing closure to the victim's family. The meticulous nature of the investigation underscores the commitment of the authorities to thoroughly investigate all possible motives and unravel the intricate web of events that led to this tragic incident. The ongoing cooperation between the police forces in Meghalaya and Indore is essential to ensuring a comprehensive and impartial investigation. As the investigation progresses, the focus will likely remain on corroborating the testimonies of the accused, analyzing the forensic evidence, and exploring all potential motives, including the alleged love triangle and any other underlying factors that may have contributed to the murder. The ultimate goal is to present a compelling case in court and ensure that justice is served for Raja Raghuvanshi and his family. The use of video recordings of the reconstruction provides an invaluable tool for presenting the evidence to a jury. Securing the testimony of the person who filmed the two videos is critical. The meticulous steps taken by the police show dedication to solving this complex crime.
Source: Meghalaya ‘honeymoon murder’ case: Police recreate ‘honeymoon murder’ crime scene