The machete used to kill Raja Raghuvanshi was purchased from near Gauhati Railway Station by the hired assassins
Meghalaya Police have recovered the machete, locally known as a Dao, which was used to kill Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi by contract killers employed by his wife Sonam, all of whom are now in the custody of police.
The machete was purchased from near Gauhati Railway Station by the hired assassins, Meghalaya Police reportedly stated.
Meanwhile, a video of Raja and Sonam — shot hours before Raja was murdered by hired assailants in the presence of his wife — has gone viral on social media.
In the video shot by a tourist named Dev Singh, Raja and Sonam were seen trekking in the pristine and beautiful hills of Meghalaya: Raja totally oblivious and unaware of the deadly plot hatched by wife Sonam and her lover Raj Kushwaha to silence him forever.
The case has seen a lot of developments after Sonam was arrested in Uttar Pradesh and brought to Shillong by a team of Meghalaya Police.
Sonam’s paramour Raj Kushwaha, the main conspirator in the spine-chilling murder case, along with the three hired assassins were also brought to Shillong from Indore where they were arrested.
Here are the latest developments (as of June 16, 2025) in the investigation of the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case:
Weapon recovered & suspect details
- Meghalaya police recovered the murder weapon, confirming that a man named Vishal delivered the first blow to Raja. Sonam reportedly disappeared after the murder, and investigators are examining all angles.
Crucial video evidence
- A tourist’s video recorded on May 23 shows Raja and Sonam trekking near the double‐deck root bridge in Nongriat. Sonam can be seen wearing a white shirt that matches one found near Raja’s body, and three male suspects are visible trailing behind them.
Chat logs reveal conspiracy
- Shocking chat messages between Sonam and Raj—including comments like “don’t take tension, just bring Raja”—have emerged and are under close police scrutiny
Attackers acted as “friends,” not hired guns
- Meghalaya Police revealed that the three men (Vishal, Akash, and Anand) weren’t professional hitmen but acted as favors to Raj, each receiving only Rs 50,000 for logistical support.
Family demands narco‐tests
- Raja’s family is urging that narco‐tests (truth serum) be conducted on his wife Sonam and alleged accomplice Raj Kushwaha, citing “inconsistencies” in their testimonies. A candlelight march was held in Indore demanding deeper probes including possible CBI intervention.
Family schism & accusations
- Sonam’s elder brother, Govind, publicly broke ties with her, stating he’s “100 % sure” of her complicity. He also supported Raja’s family in pushing for strict punishment — and possibly the death penalty — for Sonam.
Specifics on location and planning
- Police say the murder took place on May 23 at an isolated gorge near Wei Sawdong Falls (Cherrapunji). The attackers initially tried other spots but chose this secluded area, formerly off-limits to tourists, to carry out the murder undetected.
Mangalsutra & ring — key forensics
- A mangalsutra and ring left behind at the homestay provided critical leads, helping authorities unravel the conspiracy
What’s next?
- Police custody: Sonam, Raj, Vishal, Akash, and Anand are in police custody, and their statements are being recorded.
- Forensic narco-tests: Family demands may influence forensic directives.
- Evidence processing: Chats, videos, and recovered items are undergoing detailed analysis.
This case has evolved rapidly from a suspected abduction to a premeditated homicide with deep personal entanglements — highlighted by alleged relationships between Sonam and Raj Kushwaha and involvement of close associates. The investigation is still unfolding, but these are the most current insights.
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