Meghalaya Minister Alexander Laloo Hek on Thursday termed the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi as a “pre-planned and organised crime” and emphasized that all accused must be punished under the law.
Speaking to the media, Hek said, “This was not an impulsive act. From the very beginning, there was an intention to eliminate Raja Raghuvanshi. It was a crime initiated and orchestrated by Sonam Raghuvanshi. A full investigation is underway, and the accused must face the law for committing such a heinous act in the state of Meghalaya.”
The case has seen rapid developments. On Wednesday, all five prime accused — including Raja’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi — were remanded to eight-day police custody. Others arrested in connection with the crime are Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, Raj Singh Kushwaha, and Anand.
Minister Hek also acknowledged the apology issued by Raja Raghuvanshi’s family, who had initially criticized the Meghalaya Police and local authorities in the wake of the tragic news. “I understand their anger and pain after learning their son had been brutally murdered. But I am glad they have now understood the efforts of our police and extended their apology,” Hek said, offering his condolences to the grieving family.
He further commended the Meghalaya Police for their swift action in nabbing the culprits, noting a key breakthrough in the case. “Police recovered a mangalsutra and a ring from Sonam Raghuvanshi’s suitcase left at a homestay. This is a crucial clue in the investigation,” the minister revealed.
Raja Raghuvanshi, a newlywed from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, had travelled to Meghalaya with his wife for their honeymoon. His body was found in a gorge near Sohra (Cherrapunji) on June 2, days after the couple went missing. Sonam Raghuvanshi was later traced and taken into custody near a dhaba on the Varanasi-Ghazipur road in Uttar Pradesh.
The case has shocked the nation and sparked widespread calls for justice. The Meghalaya government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all those involved are held accountable.
