In a significant development in the high-profile Meghalaya honeymoon murder case, police have confirmed that Sonam Raghuvanshi and her alleged partner, Raj Kushwaha, have confessed to their romantic involvement and their active role in the murder of Sonam's husband, Raja Raghuvanshi.

The relationship between Sonam and Raj is believed to be the central motive behind the killing, though investigators are also exploring other potential angles, including financial incentives, which are yet to be conclusively established.

Vivek Syiem, the Superintendent of Police for East Khasi Hills, stated that both Sonam and Raj not only admitted their involvement but also participated in a reconstruction of the crime scene to aid the investigation.

As per the police account, Sonam’s family had arranged her marriage to Raja Raghuvanshi, a businessman from Indore, due to their disapproval of her relationship with Raj Kushwaha.

This arrangement reportedly led to severe dissatisfaction on Sonam's part. She had, according to police sources, warned her family of dire consequences if they proceeded with the wedding—warnings that ultimately went unheeded.

While the romantic connection remains the primary motive under scrutiny, investigators are continuing to examine whether any monetary benefits were involved, although no solid proof has yet emerged to support this theory.

The Superintendent indicated that the accused saw Raja as an obstacle to their relationship and, due to familial and cultural constraints, they allegedly decided that removing him from the equation was their only way forward.

Raja Raghuvanshi’s family had requested that a narco-analysis test be conducted on Sonam. However, the authorities turned down the request, citing that sufficient evidence, including the confessions and crime scene recreation, had already been secured.

Explaining the decision, Syiem noted that narco-tests are typically considered only when evidence is lacking or unavailable.

He added that such tests are not legally permissible as evidence in court, owing to restrictions set by the Supreme Court.

The two primary accused—Sonam Raghuvanshi and Raj Kushwaha—are expected to be presented in court on June 26, 2025, Thursday, along with three individuals alleged to have been hired as contract killers: Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi.

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