Lagatar24 Desk
Indore: A property dealer who rented a flat in Indore to the accused in the sensational Raja Raghuvanshi murder case has been arrested for allegedly tampering with crucial evidence. The Meghalaya SIT probing the case confirmed that Silome James, who provided the flat to one of the killers, Vishal Singh Chauhan, also allowed Sonam Raghuvanshi—the prime accused and Raja’s wife—to stay there before her surrender.
Key evidence removed from crime-linked flat
During interrogation, Sonam revealed she left a black bag in the Hirabagh flat on June 8 before leaving for Ghazipur. The bag allegedly contained Raja’s jewellery, Rs 5 lakh cash, her mobile phones, and a country-made pistol. However, during the police raid, none of these items were found. CCTV footage later showed James entering the flat two days after Sonam’s surrender and taking the bag and other items.
Attempt to flee foiled, James arrested
Initially, James denied any involvement when questioned, but after the SIT accessed the footage, he tried to evade further questioning by claiming to be in Bhopal. He switched off his phone shortly after. Police tracked him down and arrested him at Bhonrasa Toll gate near 7:30 pm while he was allegedly trying to flee. He will now be taken to Shillong on a transit remand for further questioning.
Background: The Honeymoon Murder case
Raja and Sonam married on May 11 and left for their honeymoon in Meghalaya on May 20. What began as a missing persons case turned into a murder investigation after Raja’s body was recovered from a gorge on June 2. Post-mortem reports revealed blunt force trauma to the head. Sonam, initially untraceable, was found unconscious at a roadside eatery in Ghazipur on June 7 and surrendered the next day.
Phones missing, more arrests likely
Police found Raja’s destroyed phone, allegedly broken by Sonam after the murder. However, three of her own phones remain missing. Investigators believe they may hold vital evidence related to the murder conspiracy. With James now in custody, authorities are hopeful of uncovering further leads about the planning and aftermath of the crime.
