Shillong, 28 April (HS): In a significant development in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, a Shillong court granted bail to the prime accused, Sonam Raghuvanshi, who is alleged to have been involved in the killing of her husband.

Sonam, a resident linked to Indore-based transport businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, had been in judicial custody for several months. Relief came to her after the fourth round of hearings, following three earlier rejections of her bail plea. The confirmation of the court’s decision was given by the victim’s brother, Vipin Raghuvanshi.

According to reports, the Shillong Sessions Court granted bail to Sonam on Monday, following a hearing on her bail plea held last week. In his order, the judge noted that the police had failed to adhere to the provisions of Article 22 of the Indian Constitution while arresting Sonam. Government Advocate KC Gautam confirmed that Sonam was granted bail specifically because the police did not act in accordance with the prescribed legal provisions during her arrest. Although the Sessions Court delivered its verdict on Monday, it was not made public at that time. The details of the case were released to the public on Tuesday.

The case has attracted considerable attention in Madhya Pradesh, as investigators alleged that Sonam played a central role in the murder. While her applications were repeatedly turned down in the past, the court has now approved her release on bail.

Other accused in the case—Lokendra Singh Tomar, Balbir Ahirwar and Shilom James—had already secured bail earlier. However, another alleged accomplice, Raj Kushwaha, continues to remain in judicial custody.

Family members of the deceased expressed disappointment over the development, terming it a setback in their fight for justice.

Raja Raghuvanshi had gone missing on May 23 during his honeymoon trip and his body was later recovered on June 2 near a waterfall in the Sohra area of East Khasi Hills district. Sonam, along with several others including an alleged associate, was subsequently arrested in connection with the case.

Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem stated that although bail has been granted, due legal procedures are being followed and the investigation will proceed in accordance with the law.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash