The two men were arrested earlier by Shillong police on suspicion of helping hide a bag belonging to contractor Shilom James, one of the key accused in the case. However, investigators later failed to establish any direct connection between the pair and the murder, leading to their release.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Sigam said the arrests were made based on preliminary inputs and circumstantial suspicion. “Subsequent verification of technical and documentary evidence did not support their involvement,” he said, adding that electricity bills, tenancy details and other records did not establish any role in either the murder or destruction of evidence.
According to police, the main accused Sonam Raghuvanshi and Vishal Chauhan had stayed in a building in the Lasudia area of Shillong after the crime. The accommodation was rented by Shilom James through a broker, with the agreement registered in Vishal’s name. Investigators initially suspected that the guard and property owner may have assisted in hiding evidence, but the claim could not be substantiated during detailed examination.
Police clarified that the broader investigation remains ongoing. The prime accused, including Sonam Raghuvanshi and Raj Kushwaha, along with other suspects, continue to remain in judicial custody as multiple angles of the case are being examined.
Raja Raghuvanshi had married Sonam on May 11, 2024. On May 20, the couple left Indore for their honeymoon in Meghalaya. Two days later, they travelled to Sohra, a hilly and forested region around 80 kilometres from Shillong, where they rented a two-wheeler for sightseeing.
After the family lost contact, a search operation was launched on May 27. Heavy rainfall disrupted efforts, and the search resumed on May 30. Raja’s body was recovered from a deep gorge on June 2. A post-mortem examination confirmed he was killed using a sharp wood-cutting tool.
Following the discovery, police launched a nationwide search for Sonam, who was traced on June 9 at a roadside dhaba in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. The investigation has since led to the arrest of eight individuals, though the acquittal of two accused underscores gaps in the initial line of suspicion.
Authorities say further forensic and circumstantial evidence is being gathered to ensure accountability in the high-profile case.
