Meghalaya Police Arrest Eighth Accused in Raja Raghuvanshi Murder Case

The Meghalaya Police have arrested Lokendra Singh Tomar in connection with the high-profile murder of Raja Raghuvanshi. Tomar, now the eighth person arrested in the case, was taken into custody from a flat in Gwalior's Gandhi Nagar area on Monday. He was placed in overnight detention at the Mohana police station before being handed over to the Meghalaya Police on Tuesday. A local court later sent him on a 72-hour transit remand.

The case took a dramatic turn after it was revealed that Sonam Raghuvanshi, the victim’s wife and a prime accused in the case, had stayed at Tomar’s flat in Indore before resurfacing in Ghazipur.

According to East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police V. Syiem, Tomar is accused of helping destroy and conceal evidence critical to the investigation. Reports suggest that Sonam had left behind a black bag when she left Tomar’s Indore flat. Upon discovering the bag, Tomar allegedly instructed his property dealer, Silome James, to dispose of it—fearing that a police search might link him to the crime.

Investigators believe the bag, along with another box that was hidden in the flat, could contain key evidence related to the murder. James, the property dealer, and a security guard named Balla Ahirwar were arrested earlier for allegedly concealing the box at Sonam’s request.

Despite the accusations, Tomar has denied any involvement. Speaking briefly to reporters while being escorted by police, he claimed, "I didn’t know anyone involved in this case. I had rented out my flat in Indore. The bag they’re talking about wasn’t with me, and nothing was recovered from my possession. I only spoke to James, the property dealer. I’ll hold a press conference soon and answer everything.”

The murder of Raja Raghuvanshi shocked many, particularly because it occurred during his honeymoon in Meghalaya, just days after his wedding. Police allege that his wife, Sonam, conspired with her lover Raj Kushwaha to have Raja killed. They reportedly hired three contract killers to carry out the murder.

So far, eight people have been arrested in the case, including Sonam, Raj Kushwaha, the three hired killers, Lokendra Tomar, and two others involved in concealing evidence.

The investigation is ongoing, with police continuing to piece together the events leading up to the murder and the alleged cover-up that followed.