Shillong, Jun 13: East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem has confirmed that Raja Raghuvanshi was murdered in the fourth attempt, following three earlier failed attempts in Guwahati and Sohra. The investigation has uncovered a premeditated conspiracy originating from Indore, with Raj, a resident of the city, identified as the mastermind, and Raja’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, as a co-conspirator.

According to SP Syiem, the first attempt to kill Raja was made in Guwahati. Subsequent plans in Nongriat and between Mawlakhiat and Weisawdong also failed. “They wanted to eliminate Raja in multiple locations, but those attempts didn’t materialize,” Syiem said. “He was ultimately killed at Weisawdong by his wife Sonam and her accomplices.”

The murder occurred between 2:00 pm and 2:18 pm inside a parking area near Weisawdong. Syiem stated that all three male accomplices, one of whom is Raj’s cousin, took turns attacking Raja while Sonam was present. His body was then disposed of in a nearby gorge.

The plot, reportedly planned months in advance in Indore, also included disturbing ideas to fake Sonam’s death. One plan involved killing another person, burning the body with Sonam’s belongings, and claiming it was her. “All these attempts were part of a wider plan that began in Indore and unfolded during Raja and Sonam’s post-wedding trip,” the SP said.

After the murder, Sonam fled Meghalaya using a burqa given by Vishal Chauhan alias Vicky. She travelled through Guwahati, Siliguri, Patna, Areraj, Lucknow, and finally reached Indore. During the escape, blood-stained clothing was discarded, including a raincoat later recovered and confirmed to have blood traces, which is being sent for forensic examination.

Syiem confirmed that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has started formal interrogation. “Sonam was not only aware of the plan, she was a partner in it. The entire conspiracy was executed as a favour to Raj, not as a contract killing,” he added.

The case came to light after Raj, suspecting police movement near his location, instructed Sonam to fake an abduction story. She called her family claiming she had escaped from captivity. This false narrative prompted further investigation, eventually leading to the arrests and exposure of the murder plot.