Shillong, November 11, 2025:
The trial in the sensational murder case of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi commenced today before the Court of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Judicial), Shillong, with the examination of the complainant and brother of the deceased, Vipin Raghuvanshi.
Proceedings began following the formal framing of charges against five accused persons — the victim’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, and her alleged accomplices Raj Kushwaha, Vishal Singh Chauhan, Aakash Singh Rajput, and Anand Kurmi — all of whom have pleaded not guilty.
Calling it “a watertight chargesheet” backed by roughly 90 witnesses, Special Public Prosecutor K.C. Gautam said, “Only Vipin Raghuvanshi was called today. This examination was incomplete, it will take more time. The others, as their turn comes, they will come. The trial commences with the framing of the chargesheet. Today the prosecution evidence has started. In the chargesheet there are roughly about 90 witnesses. The chargesheet is, I must say, it’s a watertight chargesheet.”
Following the day’s proceedings, complainant Vipin Raghuvanshi told reporters, “As the time was over today, I am given the next date, that is on 26th November. Because of time constraint, the full statement couldn’t be recorded.”
The case stems from the alleged murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, who had travelled to Meghalaya with his wife for their honeymoon in May this year. The couple was reported missing on May 26, leading to an extensive search operation. On June 2, Raja’s body was recovered from a deep gorge at Arliang Riat Kunongrim, Umblai, near Wei Sawdong Falls in Sohra.
Earlier, on October 28, the court had framed charges after the accused were produced from the District Jail, Shillong, represented by counsels S. Rana (Dy. LADC) and P. Pradhan (ALADC). The prosecution relies on a 790-page chargesheet filed by the Sohra Police, which lists around 90 witnesses.
Earlier, East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem confirmed that a second chargesheet is being prepared and is expected to be filed by the third week of November, ahead of the December deadline.
