Shillong, Nov 12: The trial in the high-profile murder case of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi began on Tuesday at a court in Shillong, Meghalaya. The proceedings opened with the examination of Vipin Raghuvanshi, brother of the deceased.

Raja’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, along with four others Raj Kushwaha, Vishal Singh Chauhan, Aakash Singh Rajput, and Anand Kurmi are accused of killing him near Wei Sawdong in Sohra earlier this year. The accused pleaded not guilty after charges were formally framed on October 28.

Special Public Prosecutor KC Gautam described the chargesheet as strong and watertight, noting that nearly 90 witnesses are expected to be examined during the trial. Vipin Raghuvanshi’s testimony remained incomplete, and the next hearing is scheduled for November 26.

Raja had gone missing on May 26 during his honeymoon in Meghalaya with his wife. His body was later recovered from a gorge near Wei Sawdong Falls on June 2 after an extensive search. The prosecution’s case is based on a 790-page chargesheet filed by Sohra Police. 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.