By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 16: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is likely to reconstruct the crime scene in the alleged murder of Raja Raghuvanshi at the parking lot near Weisawdong Falls in Sohra at noon on Tuesday.
The re-enactment is expected to be conducted in the presence of suspect, Sonam Raghuvanshi, and the three alleged assailants — Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi.
Director General of Police (DGP) Idashisha Nongrang stated that efforts are underway to file the charge sheet within the stipulated time.
She said that the investigation is progressing steadily.
When asked about the motive, the DGP said that she still finds it difficult to accept the explanation given by the main accused, Sonam.
“How could someone develop such deep animosity that just days after marriage, she plots to kill her husband? It does not quite add up. We’re exploring whether there’s more to the story,” Nongrang said.
She noted that while the case appears to involve a love triangle, she is not convinced that this alone could be the motive.
The DGP said the interrogation is still ongoing, and the team is working to establish a clear timeline and the role of each accused.
“There have been conflicting statements. We are cross-examining the accused based on discrepancies in their versions. Many loose ends are being tied up, and we are committed to building a solid, foolproof case. We already have substantial evidence against the five accused,” she added.
The DGP also indicated that the police may seek additional custody of the accused after the initial eight-day remand period ends.
“I am confident the Investigating Officer will be able to justify the request for extended custody before the court,” she said.
Nongrang said Sonam told the investigators that Raja’s jewellery, which allegedly went missing, was kept in a “particular place”.
“We will be looking into that, too,” she said.
On a broader note, Nongrang highlighted that Sohra remains one of the safest regions in the state, with the lowest crime rate among all police stations in Meghalaya.
“There hasn’t been a murder recorded in Sohra for decades. When the family initially reported a case of robbery and crime involving the Indore couple, it was difficult to believe, given the peaceful nature (of the people) of the area,” the DGP noted.
She added that the people in Sohra, especially the Khasi and Garo communities, are generally not inclined toward violence.
Meanwhile, a video posted by a tourist on Instagram went viral after Sonam and Raja were spotted in it. In the video, Sonam and Raja were seen ascending from Nongriat, probably hours before he was brutally murdered.
Sonam, wearing black trousers with a white full-sleeve shirt similar to the one recovered from the crime scene, was seen walking a few steps ahead of Raja.