Raja Raghuvanshi, a transport business owner, disappeared on May 23 last year while he was on his honeymoon trip to Meghalaya.
His mutilated body was subsequently discovered on June 2 in a gorge by a waterfall located in the vicinity of Sohra in the East Khasi Hills district. His wife, Sonam, and other individuals, including her suspected lover, were taken into custody regarding the case.
Victim’s mother in shock
"The Meghalaya Police thoroughly investigated the case over the past nine months, but it was beyond our understanding how the game suddenly changed in a month or two," said Raja's mother Uma, per The Times of India.
"We only demand one thing from the government: justice for my innocent son, who was murdered. I want a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into this case," she added.
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Raja’s elder brother, Vipin Raghuvanshi, said the family will challenge the bail order in the Meghalaya High Court.
"While arguing for Sonam's bail application in the court, her lawyer primarily emphasised that the Meghalaya Police did not properly inform her of the specific reason for her arrest, violating legal provisions," he said.
Vipin also alleged possible lapses in the investigation and said the family has not been given full access to key documents.
"Vipin suspected "manipulation" in the investigation, saying the prosecution has not yet provided him with a copy of the chargesheet, nor has he had a chance to review it properly."
Won’t let her stay at home, says Sonam’s brother
Sonam’s brother, Govind, stated that he will not stand behind his sister following her release on bail. He made it clear that he visited her in the jail in Meghalaya for some paperwork purposes only, and he does not intend to mend his ties with her.
Govind further stated that his family will not accept Sonam in their house, and he will leave if his parents decide to take her home.
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Govind was quoted by ANI as saying, “I learned that Sonam has been granted bail, but the court order is still pending. We don’t have a private lawyer yet, and the government-appointed lawyer is currently engaged. I don’t know when she will be released, where she will stay, or whether she will remain in Shillong. Before meeting Sonam in jail, I had clearly informed Raja’s brother that it was for paperwork.
We won’t keep her in the house right now; that’s not possible. If it’s the government’s decision, I won’t comment. If my parents decide to bring her home, I will leave. There is a process, they (Raja’s family) should approach the High Court if they wish to pursue it further”.
