Raja Raghuvanshi murder case: Shillong police questions Sonam’s mother, brother; call records reveal 119 calls made to a number in 25 days
PTC Web Desk: The investigation into the brutal murder of Indore-based transport businessman Raja Raghuvanshi has revealed disturbing new details. Police sources have confirmed that the murder was meticulously planned nearly a month in advance by his wife Sonam, just weeks before their wedding. According to call detail records, Sonam was using two mobile numbers, and one of them had frequent communication — 119 calls in just 25 days of March — with an unidentified person. Some of these calls were unusually long. While Shillong police have not officially confirmed this, it is considered a crucial lead in the ongoing investigation.
A team of Shillong Police officials visited Sonam’s residence in Indore on Wednesday, where they questioned her mother and brother regarding the case. The same team had earlier visited the home of the deceased, Raja Raghuvanshi.
Investigators believe that Sonam began plotting Raja’s murder about a month before their wedding, which took place on May 11. Police sources claim that Sonam, along with co-accused Raj and Vishal, met in April to begin planning the killing.
Narendra Nimonkar, the owner of Avanti Restaurant located behind the TCS Square in Indore, told the police that Sonam and her co-conspirators had visited his establishment once or twice in April. While he couldn't recall the exact dates or conversations, he noted that the restaurant’s CCTV footage is not retained for more than 10 days, making it impossible to retrieve visuals of the meetings.
The Meghalaya SIT team reached Indore on Tuesday and conducted a search operation at a flat in Devguradia near Dewas Naka, where Sonam stayed between May 30 and June 8. The landlord, Shilom James, confirmed the search operation. Raja’s brother Vipin said their elder brother Sachin was present during the search but was not allowed inside the flat. The team included members from both Meghalaya Police and Indore Crime Branch.
On Tuesday morning, the Shillong Police took the murder suspects to Wei Sadong Falls in Sohra to recreate the crime scene. East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem revealed that Sonam had given go-ahead to attack. Vishal alias Vicky then struck Raja on the head with both hands, causing severe bleeding.
SP Syiem explained that Sonam stood facing Raja during the attack, while Vishal was on his right, Akash behind to the left, and Anand to the left side. Following Sonam’s command — “Finish the job” — Anand and Akash also attacked. The three men then dumped Raja’s body into the valley.
The police confirmed that Raja was hit three times. The first strike came from Vishal, followed by Anand, and the final blow by Akash, though the last was less forceful. Investigators believe Raja likely died from the initial two blows. One of the knives used in the murder is still missing, and SDRF teams are continuing their search for it.
The Timeline
Sonam (25) and Raja (29) were married on May 11 in Indore. Ten days later, on May 21, the couple left for their honeymoon, travelling through Guwahati before reaching Meghalaya. On May 23, they checked out of a homestay in Nongriat village, Sohra, and disappeared shortly thereafter.
Raja’s mutilated body was discovered on June 2 near Wei Sadong Falls. Sonam was eventually located and detained on June 9 in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh.
Shillong Police also visited Raja's family to collect more information about the couple’s post-wedding days. Vipin Raghuvanshi said the police asked about Sonam's behaviour during the four days she spent at their Indore home after the marriage.
- With inputs from agencies
