By News Desk 
A chilling murder mystery that spanned across two Indian states has finally been unraveled, leaving both regions in shock. The breakthrough came after Shillong police executed a swift and secretive operation, quietly reaching the suspects without alerting anyone. Instead of standard interrogations at a station, questioning took place discreetly at the DCP’s official residence.
The key moment came when Sonam, the woman at the center of the case, was confronted via video call while at a roadside eatery in Ghazipur. On seeing Raj, her alleged accomplice, on screen, she broke down and confessed to the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi.
Shillong Police Reach Indore as the Trail Leads to Sonam
After initial clues began pointing to Sonam, police from the East Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya reached Indore late Sunday night. The seriousness of the case drew the attention of Meghalaya DGP Idashisha Nongrang, who remained in close contact with Madhya Pradesh DGP Kailash Makwana throughout the operation.
Key Suspects Detained: Raj and Vicky in Custody
Around 1:30 AM on Sunday night, police detained Raj Kushwaha and Vicky Thakur (alias Vishal) from the Nandbagh area in Indore. They were not taken to a typical station but instead held at the bungalow of DCP Rajesh Kumar Tripathi, where top officials, including Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Amit Singh, arrived on bikes for confidential questioning.
During the interrogation, Raj admitted to having a romantic relationship with Sonam but denied any involvement in Raja’s murder. Officers separated the two suspects and recorded individual statements under intense scrutiny.
Sonam Cracks During a Video Call
Meanwhile, Ghazipur police located Sonam at a local highway eatery called Kashi Dhaba. She appeared emotionally unstable and unfit for a formal statement. That’s when interrogators decided to confront her with a video call featuring Raj. Initially evasive, Sonam tried portraying herself as a victim. But when the camera turned to Raj, who sat silently, she froze.
Told that both Raj and Vicky had already confessed, Sonam broke down on the call and admitted to her role in Raja’s murder. Acting swiftly, Shillong police dispatched a team to Ghazipur and informed local officers that Sonam was no longer a victim—but a suspect who needed to be detained immediately.
Court Proceedings and Further Investigations
Sonam was presented at the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s (CJM) bungalow, where the court granted a seven-day transit remand. Additional Commissioner Rajesh Dandotiya confirmed that Shillong police had taken custody of all key suspects, with support from the local Crime Branch.
The suspects underwent medical evaluations under heavy security and were presented in court before being transported. That same night, police conducted searches at the suspects’ homes and recovered bloodstained clothing, believed to be linked to the murder.
Behind the Crime: A Relationship Gone Sour
Raja’s mother, Uma, revealed that while Sonam never openly refused to marry Raja, her behavior had raised concerns. She had begun avoiding his calls, and Raja had once confided that Sonam showed little interest in their engagement. It was only after persuasion by her sister-in-law that Sonam resumed communication.
Call records reviewed by police revealed that Sonam spoke to Raj more frequently and for longer durations than with Raja, highlighting the closeness between the two.
Raj Attended Raja’s Funeral
In a disturbing twist, Raj not only stayed in touch with the family after Raja’s murder but also attended his funeral. According to neighbors, Raj continued visiting the house and closely observed the family’s reactions. He was even seen offering emotional support to Sonam’s father, Devi Singh, pretending to be an ally in grief.
A Case of Betrayal and Deception
What began as a suspected love triangle escalated into a murder investigation that spanned hundreds of kilometers and involved top-level police coordination. The carefully staged façade by Sonam and Raj ultimately unraveled, thanks to a strategic video call and precise police work.
Now, with all prime suspects in custody and physical evidence recovered, the case that once baffled two states may soon see justice served.