By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 3: In a significant development in the high-profile murder of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, two under-trial prisoners arrested for allegedly destroying evidence have been discharged after police concluded there was no material evidence linking them to the offence.
Balbir Ahirwar and Lokendra Singh Tomar were released following the submission of the final investigation report and a second chargesheet in the case. Both individuals had previously been granted bail by a local court in July last year.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem explained that the arrests were based on preliminary leads and circumstantial evidence gathered during the early stages of the probe. However, deeper inquiries did not substantiate the allegations against them.
“After a thorough investigation, no evidence was found to support their involvement, and they were accordingly discharged,” Syiem stated.
Of the three individuals initially arrested in Madhya Pradesh on June 26 last year for alleged destruction and concealment of evidence, only property dealer Silome James has been charge-sheeted and will now proceed to trial.
James is accused of destroying and concealing key items, including a pistol, ammunition, and cash. Police recovered a country-made pistol with two magazines and two .32 calibre ammunition rounds from a stream in Indore based on information he provided. Additionally, Rs 50,000 in cash was seized from his car, which he allegedly admitted was taken from a laptop bag belonging to Raj Kushwaha, an associate of prime accused Sonam Raghuvanshi.
The trio had been brought to Shillong by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the murder.
Raja Raghuvanshi was allegedly murdered on May 23 last year in Sohra during his honeymoon in Meghalaya. Authorities accuse his wife, Sonam, of orchestrating the killing by hiring contract killers, with involvement from her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha and others.
Sonam remains in judicial custody, with her bail plea previously rejected by the court. Legal proceedings against her and the other main accused are ongoing.
