Raja Raghuwanshi Murder: Blood Stains on Shirt, Sonam Raghuwanshi’s Raincoat, Khukri, Many Fresh Evidence Emerge

New evidence has intensified the investigation into the brutal murder of Indore man Raja Raghuwanshi. His decomposed body was found in a deep gorge in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, on June 2. Police suspect his wife, Sonam Raghuwanshi, and her alleged boyfriend, Raj Kushwaha, were behind the killing, aided by three hired men.

Investigators now believe it was a well-planned contract killing, not a crime of passion. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is piecing together the case using physical evidence, digital trails, confessions, and CCTV footage. The suspected killers were allegedly promised Rs 20 lakh for the job.

Blood-Stained Clothes And Murder Weapon Key To Probe

One of the accused, Akash, was caught with a shirt stained with Raja’s blood, confirmed by forensic tests. Sonam’s raincoat, also bearing blood marks, is under lab examination. The murder weapon (a khukri) has been recovered and is being analysed. Another accused, Anand, was arrested wearing blood-stained clothes.

Police have tracked the suspects across 42 CCTV points in Meghalaya and recovered several digital devices. Fingerprints were found on the weapon and Raja’s belongings. Aadhaar photocopies, hotel records, and mobile data have linked all five accused to the crime scene.

Records from a scooter rental and hotels in Shillong match the couple’s details. A shopkeeper who sold the khukri used in the attack has also identified the accused. Call logs confirm frequent contact between Sonam, Raj, and the killers around the time of the murder.

Sonam’s “Kill Him” Triggered Attack On Raja Raghuwanshi

Raja and Sonam got married on May 11. Just ten days later, they travelled to Meghalaya. On May 23, they went for a trek in Cherrapunji, along with the three alleged attackers. A local guide, Albert Pde, saw them but was turned away when he offered his services.

During the trek, Sonam allegedly stayed behind and yelled, “Kill him,” prompting one attacker to strike Raja with a sharp weapon. The others joined in. Raja was hit on his head and torso, then his body was dragged and thrown into a gorge. Sonam fled the scene and later surfaced in Ghazipur, UP, where she surrendered to police on June 8.

The three hired attackers escaped to Guwahati and then boarded separate trains back to Madhya Pradesh. Raj Kushwaha (though not present in Meghalaya) is believed to have coordinated the killing from a distance.

Sonam, Raj, and the three attackers are now in custody. SP Vivek Syiem, who is leading the case, told NDTV there is “strong evidence” against them. Investigators are still searching for Sonam’s missing phone and the clothes worn during the crime.