Shillong: In a swift and wide-ranging response, the Meghalaya government has launched a crackdown not only on the murderers of Indore tourist Raja Raghuvanshi but also on those who posted hateful comments against the state in the aftermath of the crime.
At a press conference, Home Minister and senior officials of Meghalaya Police, including East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem, revealed key developments. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested four people, while one more suspect has been detained. The state is coordinating efforts to bring the accused back to Shillong for further investigation.
Among those arrested is Sonam Raghuvanshi, Raja’s wife, who surrendered to police in Uttar Pradesh’s Gazipur district earlier today. She is accused of conspiring in the murder along with her alleged partner Raj Khushwa. Two other suspects—Akash Rajput (19) from Lalitpur and Vishal Chauhan (22) from Indore—were identified by a local guide who saw them with Raja during the Nongriat trek. The three men reportedly left Meghalaya on the same day the murder was committed.
SP Syiem confirmed that Raja sustained two machete wounds to the head. He added that the three men identified by the guide were the same ones now in custody.
In a significant parallel move, Meghalaya Police has taken suo moto cognizance of hate-filled social media posts targeting the people of the state. FIRs are being registered against those responsible, in what the government calls a zero-tolerance stance against communal incitement.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma lauded the police for cracking the case within a week and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to justice and protecting the dignity of the people of Meghalaya.
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