Overview
- A court in East Khasi Hills on October 28 framed BNS charges for murder, disappearance of evidence, and criminal conspiracy under Sections 103(1), 238(a) and 61(2).
- Five accused were named: Sonam Raghuvanshi, her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha, and three alleged hired assailants — Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput and Anand Kurmi — all pleading not guilty.
- Investigators say the killing occurred near Wei Sawdong Falls during the couple’s May trip, and Raja’s body was recovered on June 2 after a large multi‑agency search.
- The SIT’s September chargesheet spans 790 pages and includes CCTV footage, call and GPS records, forensic analysis and the weapons allegedly used.
- Police said a second chargesheet is being prepared against Silom James, Lokendra Tomar and Balbir Ahirbar for allegedly destroying evidence as trial preparations proceed.