Meghalaya Police on Tuesday recovered a second machete allegedly used in the brutal murder of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, following a detailed reconstruction of the crime scene in Sohra district with four of the accused present, officials confirmed.
The weapon, which features a steel handle, was located in the same gorge near Weisawdong Falls where Raja’s body was discovered on June 2. The recovery comes nearly two weeks after Raja (29) and his wife Sonam (24) went missing during their honeymoon on May 23. While Raja's body was found a few days later, Sonam resurfaced and surrendered to authorities in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, on June 9.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said the reconstruction — involving Raja’s wife Sonam and three alleged contract killers, Akash Thakur, Anand Kurmi, and Vishal Chauhan — offered a clear account of the murder. "We recorded the entire sequence with videography and independent witnesses. The accused admitted their roles during interrogation, and today’s reenactment matched their confessions," Syiem stated.
The reconstruction began at Mawlakhiat parking lot, where the accused had parked their scooters. Police then traced the route to the viewpoint at Weisawdong Falls. According to Syiem, Sonam positioned herself in front of Raja while the three men attacked from behind. The victim sustained three machete blows — first by Chauhan, followed by Kurmi, and lastly Thakur — before his body was thrown into the gorge.
“One machete was already recovered on June 3. Today, the second was located based on the suspects’ narration of how they disposed of the weapons,” a senior officer said on condition of anonymity.
Further details emerged about the destruction of Raja’s mobile phone, which police say was first damaged by Sonam and later by Chauhan after the murder to erase evidence.
Police are currently investigating the suspected love triangle involving Sonam, Raja, and her alleged boyfriend Raj Kushwaha — who, along with the three killers, has also been arrested. However, SP Syiem noted that the romantic motive might not be the only factor at play. “While the love triangle appears to be a key motive, we are exploring other possible angles,” he added.
The case continues to unfold as authorities piece together what led to one of the most chilling murder cases in recent times.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)