In a major breakthrough in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, the Meghalaya Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Sunday arrested a security guard from Madhya Pradesh, adding another crucial link in the complex investigation surrounding the killing of the Indore-based businessman. The arrest comes shortly after the SIT apprehended a property dealer from Bhonrasa toll-gate in Dewas district late Saturday evening. The accused, Silome James, was allegedly trying to flee to Bhopal when he was intercepted and arrested. According to East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, James had leased the flat in Heera Bagh Colony where Sonam Raghuvanshi, the victim’s wife and a prime accused in the case, stayed after the murder.
Following James’s arrest, the police team tracked and arrested Balla Ahirwar, a security guard posted at the same property, from his native village around 2 AM on Sunday.“Both accused will be produced before a court in Indore to obtain transit remand, after which they will be brought to Shillong for further interrogation,” SP Vivek Syiem said.The number of people arrested in the case has now risen to seven, including Sonam and her alleged lover, who are accused of conspiring to murder Raja Raghuvanshi.Raghuvanshi was reported missing on May 23, and after extensive searches, his mutilated body was discovered on June 2 in a deep gorge near a waterfall in Sohra (Cherrapunjee) in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district. The shocking details of the case have drawn national attention due to its chilling nature and the web of relationships involved.
On June 8, Sonam surrendered to the police in Ghazipur district of Uttar Pradesh. Since then, four more suspects have been picked up from various locations in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, including the duo arrested this weekend. Police say the investigation is progressing steadily, with efforts focused on uncovering the motive, the murder plan, and the roles of all individuals involved. The SIT is also examining recovered items such as jewellery and personal belongings that were allegedly taken by Sonam after the murder and hidden at the Indore property.