Major Breakthrough in Raja Raghuvanshi Murder Case: 'Sanjay Verma' Was Fake Name for Co-Conspirator Raj Kushwaha

In a significant twist in the investigation into the murder of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, Meghalaya Police have confirmed that the mysterious contact saved as “Sanjay Verma” in the phone of prime accused Sonam Raghuvanshi was, in fact, her alleged lover and co-conspirator, Raj Kushwaha.

East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem told PTI that Sonam had saved Kushwaha’s number under the fake name “Sanjay Verma” to avoid suspicion. “Sanjay Verma is just a fictitious name registered in Truecaller, and the real person using that SIM card is Raj Kushwaha,” SP Syiem said.

Investigators also revealed that Sonam and Raj were in constant contact before the murder. Official records show that between March 1 and April 8, the two exchanged 234 phone calls, each lasting between 30 and 60 minutes, according to an NDTV report.

Earlier, when asked about “Sanjay Verma,” Sonam’s brother Govind Raghuvanshi told the media he had never heard of him. “I don’t know anything about Sanjay Verma... I just found out today that his name is coming up in the case,” he said.

Govind also said he was open to undergoing a narco test, as requested by Raja’s family. “I’ve shared everything I know with the police and the media. If they want a narco test, I’m ready,” he told ANI.

Regarding Sonam’s movements after the crime, Govind mentioned that she likely took around ₹10,000–₹20,000 in cash and two mobile phones — one personal and one from the office — but left behind most valuables, including jewellery.

Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Police are continuing to question both Sonam’s and Raj’s families to explore any possible motive beyond the alleged affair. “Investigators are examining whether there was any other reason behind the murder,” a senior police official said.

Raja Raghuvanshi, 29, had married Sonam on May 11. The couple traveled to Meghalaya on May 20, but Raja went missing just three days later, on May 23. His body was discovered 10 days after he disappeared.

Sonam surrendered in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur on June 8, while Raj Kushwaha and his associates — Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi — were arrested separately from parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. All five are now in custody for their alleged involvement in plotting and carrying out the murder.