In the Raja Raghuwanshi murder case in Meghalaya, two accused have refused to confess to the crime before the magistrate. The police have sufficient evidence and are awaiting the forensic report.
Raja Murder Case: The Raja Raghuwanshi murder case, which came to light in Shillong, Meghalaya, has now taken a new turn. The investigation is ongoing against Sonam Raghuwanshi, the wife of Raja, her lover Raj Kushwaha, and three others, who are accused in Raja's murder. According to the police, Sonam conspired to murder her husband Raja with her lover and accomplices. Now, two of the accused have retracted their confessions given to the police in court. This has intensified the debate on the direction of the investigation.
Shillong Police's Claim
According to Herbert Kharkongor, the Superintendent of Police of Shillong City, there are five accused in this murder case. Two of them—Aakash Rajput and Anand Kurmi—were presented before the magistrate. Both refused to make any statement and remained silent.
Earlier, the police had claimed that all the accused had confessed to the crime. But now, their changing statements seem to be complicating the matter. Despite this, the police say they have sufficient physical and technical evidence that strengthens the case.
Waiting for FSL Report, Confirmation from Forensics
Police officer Herbert Kharkongor said that the police are awaiting the report from the Forensic Science Lab (FSL). This report could prove to be decisive in this case. He said that the silence of the accused before the magistrate is their legal right. However, this does not weaken the case because the police have other sufficient evidence and witnesses.
Accused Recant Confessions in Police Investigation
According to police sources, initially, during interrogation, all five accused had confessed to their crime. They had also explained how the murder was planned and how it was carried out. But when Aakash and Anand were presented before the magistrate, both did not make any statement. This means that the confession given in police custody is no longer valid in court.
What is the whole case?
Raja and Sonam had not been married for long. On May 23, both had stayed at a homestay in the village of Nongreit, Meghalaya, for their honeymoon. But on the same day, after checking out from the homestay, both went missing. After this, on June 2, Raja's body was recovered 20 kilometers away from the same area. The condition of the body and the circumstances made it clear that it was a planned murder.
Suspicion Falls on Raja's Wife, Sonam
In the investigation, the suspicion first fell on Raja's wife, Sonam. The police arrested Sonam from Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. Her call details and mobile location revealed that she was in constant contact with Raj Kushwaha. The investigation also revealed that Sonam and Raj were already in contact with each other and had a love affair.
Disclosure of the Conspiracy
The police investigation revealed that Sonam had planned to eliminate her husband Raja with her lover Raj Kushwaha and other accomplices. Aakash Rajput, Anand Kurmi, and another accused helped in this conspiracy. According to the police, under the plan, Raja was taken away on the pretext of a honeymoon and then murdered.
