Raja Raghuvanshi Murder: Accused Confess to Crime, Wife Sonam Allegedly Witnessed Killing

Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong confirmed on Wednesday that several suspects in the murder of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi have confessed to the crime, including direct involvement by his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi.

“All the accused have been arrested from different locations — one in Madhya Pradesh and another in Uttar Pradesh. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Meghalaya Police went to both states. Some of the accused have confessed to their roles. Once we apprehended Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime suspect, it became clear that she was fully involved in the planning and execution of the murder during their stay in Meghalaya,” Tynsong said.

Key Developments in the Case:

1. All Four Accused Confess:
   Indore Crime Branch ACP Poonamchand Yadav confirmed that all four accused — Akash Rajput (19), Vishal Singh Chauhan (22), Raj Singh Kushwaha (21), and Anand Kurmi — have admitted to the murder. Police recovered the clothes Vishal Chauhan wore on the day of the murder in Shillong.

2. Wife Present at the Scene:
   Yadav revealed that Sonam Raghuvanshi was present during the murder and “watched her husband die.” She had allegedly conspired with the accused and was prepared to kill Raja herself if they failed.

3. Search Operations Conducted:
   Shillong Police, with assistance from Indore Crime Branch, searched Chauhan’s residence and found further evidence linking him to the crime.

4. Accused Brought to Shillong:
   On Wednesday, all four accused were brought to the Shillong Sadar Police Station after being granted a seven-day transit remand. Sonam Raghuvanshi is also being held at the same police station.

5. Viral Airport Incident:
   During their transfer, a passenger at Indore’s Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport slapped one of the accused. A video of the incident went viral on social media.

6. Murder Planning Timeline:
   According to Indore Police, Sonam maintained contact with Raj Singh Kushwaha even after her marriage. On May 16, Raj allegedly met with Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi at a restaurant in Indore to plan the murder. The next day, the three left for Meghalaya with ₹50,000 and a phone provided by Raj.

7. Sonam’s Movements After the Crime:
   After the murder, Sonam reportedly drove from Shillong to Guwahati and then took a train to Indore, arriving by May 27. She was later tracked to Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh — Raj Kushwaha’s hometown — and arrested on June 9.

8. Family’s Appeal for Innocence:
   Raj Kushwaha’s mother claimed her son is being falsely implicated. “My son is being trapped. He has looked after our family since his father died in 2020,” she told ANI.

9. Suspect’s Backgrounds Revealed:
   Police investigations indicate that the suspects were acquaintances of Raj, with some working in the business owned by Sonam’s brother.

10. Ongoing Investigation:
    The Meghalaya and Indore police continue their joint investigation, focusing on digital evidence, financial transactions, and the accused’s detailed confessions.