Brother of Murdered Indore Businessman Demands CBI Probe, Alleges Wider Conspiracy in Honeymoon Killing

Vipin Raghuvanshi, brother of slain Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the high-profile murder case, citing a recently leaked phone recording that he claims points to a deeper conspiracy involving the family of Raja’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi.

According to Meghalaya Police, Raja was murdered during his honeymoon in Shillong in May. His wife Sonam, along with her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha and three accomplices, has been accused of plotting and executing the killing. All five are currently in judicial custody.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Vipin alleged serious lapses in the police investigation, especially after several co-accused were granted bail. “There must be loopholes in the police’s case — how else could they have gotten bail so quickly?” Vipin said, as quoted by *Live Hindustan*. He insisted the case be transferred to the CBI for an impartial and thorough probe.

His demand follows the emergence of an alleged phone conversation suggesting that Sonam has been in contact with her family from jail, casting doubt on their claimed lack of involvement. “They said they hadn’t spoken to Sonam, but that’s a lie. She’s talked to them multiple times — especially with her brother Govind. I believe this has been happening for weeks,” Vipin alleged, suggesting the entire family may be working behind the scenes to secure her bail.

Vipin also claimed that a journalist captured a police officer in Shillong admitting that Sonam had communicated with her family while in custody. Though the leaked audio has not been independently verified by *Hindustan Times*, Vipin insists it raises serious questions.

He further expressed frustration over the fact that even after Sonam was identified as a prime accused, her brother Govind was seen alongside Raja’s family during rituals, including the late businessman’s last rites.

Meanwhile, one of the accused, Silome James, was recently granted bail by the Court of First Class Judicial Magistrate D.K.K. Mihsill in Meghalaya. James’s lawyer, Advocate Devesh Sharma, argued that his client had no direct connection to the murder. James had been arrested after investigators recovered Raja’s gold chain from his residence in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh.

Two others — Lokendra Singh Tomar and Balbir Ahirwa — were also arrested and later granted bail on July 13. They were accused of tampering with evidence and obstructing justice at an Indore flat allegedly used by Sonam and Raj Kushwaha after the murder.

Interestingly, despite being implicated in the case, Govind Raghuvanshi himself had previously demanded the harshest punishment for his sister. “She should be hanged if she’s found guilty,” he had said.

Raja Raghuvanshi married Sonam on May 11 and the couple left for their honeymoon in Guwahati and Shillong on May 20. They were reported missing just three days later, on May 23. After days of search efforts, Raja’s body was recovered from a gorge in the Sohra region of East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, on June 2.

Sonam later surrendered to authorities in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. She, along with Raj Kushwaha, Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi, has been charged with conspiracy and murder.