Indore’s Raja Raghuvanshi murder case sees acquittal:Guard and building owner freed as police theory weakens; Sonam involved in disposing evidence with contractor Shilom

Indore transport businessman Raja Raghuvanshi’s murder case saw a major development as the court acquitted two accused — security guard Babir Singh Ahirwar and building owner Lokendra Singh Tomar — due to insufficient evidence. The accused were earlier arrested by Shillong police for allegedly helping in hiding a bag belonging to the main accused, contractor Shilom, but the detailed investigation revealed no direct link to the murder. Police initial theory fails to hold According to police, the initial arrests were made based on suspicion that the accused might have hidden evidence after the murder. During the investigation, it was found that the main accused, Sonam and Vishal Chauhan, stayed in a building in Lasudia, Shillong, which was rented by Shilom James through a broker. The room agreement was in Vishal’s name. However, examination of electricity bills and other technical details did not provide concrete evidence of the two accused being involved in the crime. East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Sigam said that the arrests were based on preliminary information and circumstances, but verification later showed no evidence of their involvement. Consequently, both were acquitted. Police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with all aspects being examined and evidence being collected. The main accused, Sonam Raghuvanshi and Raj Kushwaha, along with other suspects, remain in judicial custody. Case background: Raja’s body found in a gorge Raja Raghuvanshi had married Sonam on May 11, 2024. On May 20, the couple left Indore for their honeymoon in Meghalaya. On May 22, they went sightseeing in Sohra, renting an Activa for local travel. Communication with the family was lost on June 24, and searches began on May 27. Due to heavy rain, searches were paused and resumed on May 30. Raja’s body was recovered from a gorge on June 2, and the post-mortem report confirmed he was killed with a wood-cutting tool. Sonam found in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh Following Raja’s murder, police launched a manhunt for Sonam. She was located on June 9 at a roadside dhaba in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. Subsequent investigations revealed several shocking details, leading to the arrest of eight people. Of these, two — the guard and building owner — were acquitted due to lack of evidence.