Sonam Raghuvanshi, accused of masterminding the murder of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, during their honeymoon in Meghalaya last year, was released on bail by a local court on April 28. The decision was based primarily on procedural lapses during her arrest by the Meghalaya Police, coupled with delays in the course of the trial.
The victim’s family has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation, criticizing the police’s handling of the case. Raja’s mother also said that if bail is granted to the other accused, Raj Kushwaha, Vishal and Akash, there could be a potential threat to their lives.
“We want a CBI investigation. The mistakes committed should be highlighted through the CBI investigation. How did Sonam get out? When she committed such a serious crime, how can she get bail,” Uma told news agency ANI.
Read also | Why Sonam Raghuvanshi, accused of Meghalaya honeymoon murder, was granted bail by court
Sonam’s brother says: I will not let her stay at home
Sonam’s brother Govind said he will not support his sister after she is released on bail. He explained that he met her in Meghalaya jail only for paperwork matters and did not restore his relationship with her. Govind added that his family will not allow Sonam to stay in their home and if his parents choose to bring her back home, he will leave.
“I learned that Sonam has been released on bail, but the court order is still pending. We do not have a private lawyer yet, and the government-appointed lawyer is currently working. I don’t know when she will be released, or where she will stay, or whether she will stay in Shillong. Before meeting Sonam in jail, I had clearly informed Raja’s brother that it was for papers. We will not keep her at home now; that is not possible. If this is the government’s decision, I will take her home,” Govind told ANI. I leave. “There is a process – they (Raja’s family) have to approach the Supreme Court if they want to pursue the matter further.”
Responding to the bail, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Saim said the prosecution would continue to pursue the case. “We respect the order of the honorable court. The investigation and trial will continue in accordance with the law. We remain confident of the evidence already presented before the court,” he told Hindustan Times.
