SHILLONG: The Meghalaya state government has formally approached the Meghalaya High Court to appeal against the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime accused in the high-profile murder of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi. Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home Affairs, Prestone Tynsong, confirmed on Thursday that the government is challenging the lower court’s decision to release her on bail.
Addressing the matter, Tynsong declined to comment extensively on the merits of the case, noting that the issue is now sub-judice before the High Court. He urged the public to await the High Court’s proceedings following the District and Sessions Court’s decision to grant her liberty.
The Deputy Chief Minister further clarified that the state government and the police, specifically the Special Investigation Team (SIT), have performed their duties to the best of their abilities. He dismissed any allegations of weakness or lapses in the police investigation or the preparation of the legal case.
Sonam Raghuvanshi was granted bail by the District and Sessions Court on April 28, after spending approximately ten months in judicial custody. The murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, a prominent businessman from Indore, sent shockwaves across the country due to the chilling nature of the crime, which occurred while the couple was on their honeymoon in Meghalaya in May last year.
The police have already filed an extensive chargesheet totaling 790 pages, detailing the alleged involvement of five individuals. These include Sonam Raghuvanshi, her associate Raj Kushwaha, and three others suspected to be contract killers: Vishal Singh Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi.
The incident dates back to May 21, 2025, when Raja and Sonam arrived in Shillong with plans to visit Sohra. On May 26, the couple was reported missing, prompting an intensive search operation by the police across various locations.
The investigation took a dark turn on June 2, when Raja Raghuvanshi’s body was discovered at Riat Arliang, near the Wei Sawdong falls. This discovery launched a detailed probe that eventually led to the arrest of all suspects involved in what investigators believe was a meticulously pre-planned murder.
