In the case of the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, recent revelations have debunked the initial theory of a contract killing. The three individuals - Vishal, Akash, and Anand - who were arrested along with Sonam Raghuvanshi and her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha, may not have been motivated solely by money but rather by a sense of loyalty. All five accused have been remanded to police custody.

According to East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, the three individuals were friends, with one of them being a cousin of Raj. It was not a typical contract killing, but rather a favor done for their friend Raj, as per the Meghalaya police official.

Raj Kushwaha, suspected to be Sonam Raghuvanshi's boyfriend, is believed to have orchestrated the murder, with Sonam's involvement as a co-conspirator. The other three individuals were initially thought to be hired killers, but the police now suggest that they acted out of personal connections. Raj had provided them with ₹50,000 for logistical expenses.

Plan to Stage Sonam's Death

The plot originated in Indore and involved elaborate backup plans. One idea discussed was to kill a random woman, burn the body, and pass it off as Sonam's, in order to give her more time in hiding. The conspiracy to eliminate Raja was masterminded by Raj shortly before his wedding with Sonam on May 11.

Raja and Sonam went missing on May 23 from Sohra in Meghalaya, with Raja's body being discovered near Weisawdong Falls on June 2. Sonam resurfaced in Ghazipur on June 9 and surrendered to the police.

Execution in Sohra

Raj's associates had initially planned to kill Raja in Guwahati but later regrouped in Nongriat. On May 23, the three men attacked Raja with a machete near Weisawdong Falls while Sonam watched. They then disposed of his body in a gorge.

After the murder, Sonam escaped from Meghalaya disguised in a burqa provided by Raj. She traveled through multiple cities before reaching Indore. Meanwhile, local media reports helped police track down the suspects.

Probe Underway

All five accused have been remanded to police custody for further questioning and evidence collection. The police are confident of filing a charge sheet within the mandatory 90-day period.