In a significant development in the sensational Meghalaya honeymoon murder case, Govind Raghuvanshi, the brother of prime accused Sonam Raghuvanshi, has stated that his family will not engage any lawyer for her defense until he has had a personal conversation with his sister. Sonam is accused of orchestrating the murder of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, during their honeymoon in the picturesque hills of Meghalaya.
Speaking to media outlets, Govind Raghuvanshi revealed that he has been inundated with calls from numerous lawyers offering their services to represent Sonam. However, he has consistently turned them down, emphasizing his family’s resolve to first speak with Sonam herself. “I’ve been receiving calls from at least 10 to 15 lawyers, offering to take up the case and handle everything. But I have asked all of them to wait,” Govind stated. He further added, “As I’ve said before…we have not hired any lawyer, and we don’t want to hire any yet. Neither have we spoken to any lawyer, nor are we searching for any until we have spoken to Sonam.”
However, the ongoing police investigation has presented a hurdle to this plan. Govind acknowledged the current limitations, stating, “But it won’t be appropriate for us to meet her as police investigation is going on. I would like to meet her soon after the investigation is over.” This stance highlights the family’s desire for a direct understanding of the situation from Sonam’s perspective before proceeding with legal representation.
The case, which has gripped national attention, involves the murder of Indore-based transport businessman Raja Raghuvanshi. Raja and Sonam, who married on May 11, went missing on May 23 during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. Raja’s mutilated body was tragically discovered in a gorge near Sohra (Cherrapunji) on June 2. Sonam was subsequently found near a roadside dhaba along the Varanasi-Ghazipur highway and was later arrested.
Investigators have made significant progress in the case, arresting a total of eight individuals in connection with Raja’s murder. Among those arrested are Sonam Raghuvanshi, her alleged lover Raj Singh Kushwaha, and four others: Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand, along with other individuals accused of tampering with evidence. Meghalaya police have asserted that Sonam and Raj Kushwaha have confessed to their relationship and their involvement in the murder.
The complexities of the case continue to unravel, with new details emerging periodically. Recently, Raja’s elder brother, Vipin Raghuvanshi, claimed that Meghalaya police have recovered two ‘mangalsutras’ from Sonam’s belongings, suggesting she may have secretly married Raj Kushwaha while in hiding. This assertion has added another layer of intrigue to the already convoluted narrative.
Meanwhile, legal proceedings are underway, with a court in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district recently extending the judicial custody of three of the alleged hitmen involved in the crime. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case has been meticulously gathering evidence, including the recovery of jewellery, a laptop, and other electronic items believed to be linked to the murder.
The Raghuvanshi family’s decision to hold off on legal counsel until a direct meeting with Sonam underscores the personal and emotional turmoil surrounding this high-profile case. As the investigation progresses, all eyes remain on the developments, particularly on when Sonam’s brother will be able to have the crucial conversation that he believes is necessary before mounting a legal defense.