Sonam rented secret flat, may have used Raj as pawn to elope with someone else: Investigators

Raj and Sonam

The Meghalaya police, investigating the honeymoon murder case involving Sonam Raghuwanshi and her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha, are now suspecting that Sonam may have been the actual mastermind behind the entire plot and Raj was just used to commit the crime, according to a report by The Times of India.

According to senior police officials who are closely following the interrogation of all the accused, Sonam seems to have influenced everyone involved in the murder. She allegedly promised Raj love and may have tempted others with financial gains.

Earlier, the police examined the case with Raj as the key conspirator. But now, investigators suspect he may have unknowingly helped Sonam, who had bigger plans in mind. According to the TOI report, Sonam might have been planning to run away with someone else altogether.

Crime branch officials believe that Sonam had premeditated her hideout and had even arranged for a flat in Indore where she intended to stay for a few days after executing the plan. She selected the location, made necessary payments, and kept her stay under wraps. Interestingly, no one apart from Sonam seems to know where this flat is. Even other accused are believed to have been kept in the dark about it.

While Sonam was hiding in Indore, her family and the police were searching for her, even holding protests demanding justice. When she realised that the situation was getting out of control, she allegedly asked Raj to book her a cab and fled to UP. She was eventually tracked down and arrested there on June 8.

Indore Crime Branch officials have confirmed they don’t yet know the exact address of the Indore flat where Sonam stayed during her disappearance. However, Meghalaya Police are planning to bring her back to the city to verify evidence.

"Meghalaya officials will bring the accused to Indore to collect evidence, and we will assist with all logistics and technical support," TOI quoted Indore Additional DCP Rajesh Dandotiya as saying.