The Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Meghalaya, inspecting the murder case of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, recreated the crime scene with all suspects on Tuesday. To explore financial motives, a team also traveled to Indore. Under heavy security, all accused, including Raja's wife Sonam, were brought to Sohra, located about 65 kilometers from Shillong, for the crime scene recreation.
Superintendent Vivek Sim stated, "Our team is in Indore questioning individuals to ascertain any benefits deriving from Raja Raghuvanshi's death. The flat where Sonam stayed post-escape from Meghalaya was raided but found vacant. The SIT will investigate backgrounds, aiming to find any angle beyond the admitted love triangle."
Closely monitoring the situation, Director-General of Police I. Nongrang previously mentioned that the SIT was considering other potential aspects of Raghuvanshi's murder. According to SP Vivek Sim, the SIT visited multiple sites in Sohra earlier in the day. The crime scene recreation revealed shocking details, with a policeman playing the role of Raja Raghuvanshi, and all suspects assumed their respective roles.
SP revealed, "Three strikes were carried out. The first attack was by Vishal from behind as Sonam faced him; it was a major blow using both hands. Anand executed the second strike, and the final blow was by Aakash." The killers also disclosed to the SIT they used two knives, one of which has been recovered. Officers are searching the valley's woods with metal detectors to find the second knife.
Source: aajtak
Authorities believe Raja Kushwaha masterminded the murder but never came to Meghalaya. The SP indicated the suspects chose Sohra by happenstance for the crime. Initially, they intended to commit the murder in Nongriat, where the couple had checked into a homestay, but failed due to lacking a suitable disposal site for the body. After visiting the crime scene, Sonam expressed remorse typical of any criminal offender.
By 9 AM, the entire crime location was secured before the SIT and suspects arrived. Raja and Sonam were last seen in Sohra's hills on May 23, with Raja's body discovered on June 2. Post-murder, Sonam traveled through Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, reaching Indore. Nevertheless, she left her 'mangalsutra' and a ring at a Sohra homestay in her trolley bag, raising police suspicions. She surrendered in Ghazipur.
It's noteworthy that Meghalaya Police linked Sonam to the murder by June 3 and 4. During the investigation, police apprehended her lover Raj Kushwaha from Indore. Conspirator Vishal aka Vicky Thakur was caught in Indore, Aakash Rajput was arrested in Uttar Pradesh's Lalitpur, and Anand was apprehended in Bina, Madhya Pradesh. Subsequently, Sonam surrendered in Ghazipur, concocting an abduction story.
When interrogated, Sonam was asked, "Why did you orchestrate Raja's murder?" Initially silent, she later claimed, "I didn't orchestrate a murder; I was kidnapped." However, when shown CCTV footage and her links to hired assassins, Sonam broke down, tearfully confessing, "Yes, I know the three of them and orchestrated Raja's murder." Police facilitated a confrontation between Sonam and her lover Raj. The police possess concrete evidence against the accused.
