Meghalaya Minister Calls Raja Raghuvanshi Murder a Pre-Planned Crime

Meghalaya Minister's Statement on Murder Case
On Thursday, Meghalaya's Minister Alexander Laloo Hek described the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi as a "well-organized and premeditated crime."
According to police reports, all five main suspects, including Sonam Raghuvanshi, have been placed in police custody for eight days in connection with this case.
The minister emphasized that both the government and the citizens of Meghalaya are determined to see that those responsible for Raja Raghuvanshi's murder face legal consequences.
He stated, "This incident was orchestrated by Sonam Raghuvanshi, and it was clearly a planned act. From the outset, there was an intention to eliminate Raja Raghuvanshi. We must conduct a thorough investigation, and the perpetrators should be held accountable under the law. The people of Meghalaya demand justice for this murder."
Minister Hek expressed relief after Raja Raghuvanshi's family issued an apology to the state government and police, acknowledging their initial anger towards the authorities following the tragic news of their son's death.
He extended his condolences to the family and praised the Meghalaya police for their swift action in apprehending the suspects. "I commend the Meghalaya police for their significant efforts in capturing the culprits," he remarked.
The suspects will remain in police custody for eight days. Hek conveyed his sympathies to Raja Raghuvanshi's family, who were understandably distraught upon hearing about their son's brutal murder.
He noted, "It is heartbreaking that their son was killed, and initially, they directed their anger towards the police and the people of Meghalaya. However, we are pleased that they have now apologized."
The minister revealed that police discovered a mangalsutra and a ring in Sonam Raghuvanshi's suitcase, which was left at their homestay, considering it a crucial piece of evidence. "This discovery is vital for the investigation. The people and government of Meghalaya expect the accused to be punished according to the law," he added.
Sonam Raghuvanshi, the victim's wife, along with four others, including Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, Raj Singh Kushwaha, and Anand, are implicated in the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, who had recently married and was on his honeymoon in Meghalaya.
Details of the Case
#WATCH | Shillong: On Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, Meghalaya Minister Alexander Laloo Hek says, "I congratulate the Meghalaya Police for doing a very important job and arresting the accused. I also offer my condolences to the family of Raja Raghuvanshi. They were very angry when… pic.twitter.com/0buPW50mLH
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Raja's body was discovered on June 2 in a gorge at Sohra, near Cherrapunji, Meghalaya. Sonam Raghuvanshi was later located near a dhaba on the Varanasi-Ghazipur main road. Both Raja and Sonam, residents of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, had gone missing during their honeymoon in Meghalaya.