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Meghalaya HC defers hearing on plea seeking cancellation of Sonam Raghuvanshi’s bail

Shillong, May 18 (IANS) The Meghalaya High Court on Monday deferred the hearing on a prosecution plea seeking cancellation of bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime accused in the sensational Raja Raghuvanshi honeymoon murder case, after the state sought additional time to present its arguments.

During the proceedings, the counsel representing the defence informed the court that it was prepared to argue the matter.

However, the prosecution requested more time to place its submissions before the bench. Accepting the request, the High Court adjourned the matter till Wednesday.

Sonam Raghuvanshi was granted bail last month by a lower court in Shillong after the court observed serious procedural irregularities in the manner of her arrest.

The court had noted that the investigating agency allegedly failed to properly communicate the grounds of arrest to the accused and had incorrectly cited legal provisions in several arrest-related documents.

Challenging the order, the Meghalaya Police later approached the High Court seeking cancellation of the bail, arguing that the lower court’s decision required judicial reconsideration in view of the gravity of the offence.

The case relates to the murder of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi during a honeymoon trip to Sohra in Meghalaya in May 2025.

According to investigators, Raja was allegedly killed as part of a planned conspiracy orchestrated by his wife Sonam along with her alleged partner Raj Kushwaha.

Police have accused the duo of hiring three men — Vishal Singh Chauhan, Akash Rajput and Anand Kurmi to carry out the murder near the popular tourist destination of Wei Sawdong Falls in East Khasi Hills district.

While Sonam secured bail on procedural grounds, the remaining four accused continue to remain in judicial custody. Their bail pleas have already been rejected twice by the same trial court that had granted relief to Sonam.

The trial in the high-profile case is presently underway in Shillong. The prosecution has already started examination of witnesses as investigators continue to press for a strong case against all the accused involved in the alleged conspiracy and murder.

–IANS

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