Shillong Murder Case: CCTV Captures Sonam With Accused Near Crime Spot

In a significant development in the murder investigation of Raja Raghuvanshi, exclusive details accessed by CNN-News18 from Shillong Police reveal a complex and premeditated conspiracy, allegedly orchestrated by his wife, Sonam.

According to police sources, CCTV footage places Sonam in contact with the suspected contract killers at a location approximately 10 kilometers from the crime scene in Shillong. This has become a crucial piece of evidence in the case.

Sonam's Movements After the Crime

Following Raja’s murder on May 25, Sonam reportedly left Shillong and traveled to Indore via train, transiting through Siliguri. There, she reunited with Raj Kushwaha and stayed at a rented residence. She was later dropped off by a driver in Uttar Pradesh, reaching Ghazipur via Varanasi. Meanwhile, the Shillong Police initiated a series of arrests, primarily targeting alleged contract killers from Madhya Pradesh.

So far, five individuals have been arrested in connection with the case: Sonam, Raj Kushwaha, Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi.

Digital and Forensic Evidence Emerges

Investigators noted that while Sonam shared no photos from the honeymoon trip with Raja while in Meghalaya, she began posting pictures from Raja’s social media account at 2:15 AM following his death.

At the crime scene, authorities recovered key pieces of evidence, including a blood-stained jacket allegedly belonging to accused Akash, a raincoat reportedly linked to Sonam, and Raja’s damaged mobile screen.

“Police say Sonam handed over her raincoat to Akash, which was later discarded at the scene due to blood stains,” sources revealed. Another accused, Anand, was arrested while wearing the same clothes he had on during the murder. Vishal has been identified as the person who delivered the first blow to Raja. The murder weapon is believed to have been sourced from near the Guwahati Railway Station.

‘Operation Honeymoon’ and Arrests

With crucial leads in hand, police launched “Operation Honeymoon” on June 7. The following day, a 15 to 20-member team from the Meghalaya Police was dispatched across Madhya Pradesh, where they carried out multiple arrests at different locations.

Timeline of Events and Breakthrough

Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife Sonam had travelled to Meghalaya for their honeymoon. Raja was reported missing on May 23. His body was discovered on June 2 in a deep gorge near a waterfall in Sohra (Cherrapunji), located in the East Khasi Hills district.

Shillong Murder Case : CCTV Captures Sonam With Accused Near Crime Spot
The case took a dramatic turn when Sonam, aged 25, surrendered at Nandganj Police Station in Ghazipur district, Uttar Pradesh, confessing her involvement in the murder. She was subsequently arrested and is now in custody.