Meghalaya honeymoon murder: CM Conrad Sangma says ‘there’s no need for any CBI probe as of now’
In the high-profile case of the Meghalaya honeymoon murder, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has ruled out the need for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. He expressed full confidence in the state’s Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is currently handling the case.
The murder of 29-year-old Raja Raghuvanshi from Indore has shocked the nation. Raja had arrived in Meghalaya with his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi for their honeymoon. Days later, he was found dead near a tourist spot.
Tragic Turn During Honeymoon
Raja and Sonam got married on May 11 and traveled to Meghalaya on May 20 for their honeymoon. On May 23, Raja went missing near Wei Sawdong Falls, a scenic location near Cherrapunji. Police later recovered his body from a gorge on June 2.
Investigators believe Sonam lured Raja to the falls. She allegedly conspired with four men, including her former employee and reported lover, Raj Kushwaha. According to police, they pushed Raja off the cliff while Sonam watched.
CM Sangma’s Firm Response
Amid growing calls for a CBI inquiry, CM Conrad Sangma stated that the state police are handling the investigation effectively. He told reporters, “There is no need for a CBI probe at this stage. The Meghalaya Police have the capability to solve the case.”
He added that the SIT had made good progress. “We have faith in our law enforcement. The team is working with focus and transparency,” he said.
Family Seeks Central Investigation
Despite Sangma’s remarks, Raja’s family has demanded a CBI investigation. His father, Dhanraj Raghuvanshi, expressed doubts about the state probe. “We don’t trust the local investigation. We want the truth from an independent agency,” he said.
Sonam’s family also raised concerns. Her father claimed she was innocent and had surrendered in Ghazipur voluntarily. “She didn’t run away. The police are hiding facts,” he said during a press interaction. However, her brother has disowned her, calling her actions shameful.
Key Arrests and Crime Scene Reconstruction
The SIT arrested Sonam, Raj Kushwaha, and three other suspects. One accused is still on the run. Investigators recently took the arrested suspects back to the crime scene. They showed police how they lured Raja and where they pushed him.
Authorities used digital evidence like phone records and travel logs to piece together the timeline. They believe Sonam stayed in touch with Raj before and during the trip.
A senior officer involved in the probe said, “The conspiracy was pre-planned. We have digital proof, eyewitness accounts, and confessions.”
Political and Legal Dimensions
The case has sparked a debate on central vs. state control in criminal investigations. Meghalaya, like many Indian states, has withdrawn general consent for the CBI to operate. This means the CBI needs special approval from the state government to take up any new case.
Sangma defended this policy. “If there’s a failure on the part of state police, we’ll review the situation. But so far, there is no such issue,” he said.
Critics argue that denying the CBI entry restricts transparency. Supporters say states should have autonomy over investigations unless absolutely necessary.
Growing National Attention
The brutal nature of the crime has caught the attention of the entire country. Social media is flooded with posts demanding justice. Some users have started online petitions asking for a CBI probe.
Many civil society groups have also weighed in. Women’s rights groups expressed concern about the planning behind the murder and questioned how Sonam was able to travel with her alleged co-conspirators.
Meanwhile, tourism authorities worry about the case affecting Meghalaya’s image as a peaceful destination. Officials are now reviewing safety measures for tourists in remote areas.
What’s Next?
As the SIT continues to investigate, public pressure is increasing. If the families or social groups file a petition in court, the state might have to reconsider its stance on a CBI probe.
Legal experts say that courts can order a CBI investigation if they find flaws in the current one. For now, the Meghalaya government appears determined to finish the probe through its own law enforcement.
Final Thoughts
This chilling crime has left two families devastated. One grieves the loss of a son, while the other confronts the horror of a daughter accused of orchestrating his murder. The state government insists that justice will be served without involving the CBI. But as the case unfolds, only time will tell if that promise holds true.
