'Because of one Sonam...': Raja Raghuvanshi's family apologises as murder case 'hit' Meghalaya's image; thank its government for support
Sonam and Raja Raghuvanshi
NEW DELHI: The family of Raja Raghuvanshi on Wednesday apologised to the Meghalaya government as the Indore-based businessman's murder, allegedly by his own wife, had "tarnished" the image of the northeastern state.
Raja's brother Sachin Raghuvanshi also thanked the Meghalaya government for supporting their family.
"I want to apologise to the Meghalaya government that because of one Sonam Raghuvanshi, the state's image has been tarnished. Their police solved this case in 17 days. I want to thank the Meghalaya government for standing with us. They care for tourists," the brother told news agency ANI.
Meanwhile, Raja's father Ashok Raghuvanshi demanded that the family of Sonam, the deceased's wife, also apologise to the Meghalaya Police.
"They should apologise for insulting the Meghalaya Police. I have faith in the Meghalaya Police. They have done a very good job. I also apologise for the insult they suffered. Meghalaya Police found my son, although he was dead. A complete inquiry should be done and the culprits must be hanged," the father said.
On Tuesday, Meghalaya minister Alexander Hek had
sought an apology
from the two families for "tarnishing" the image of the state and its people, and warned that a defamation case would be filed if there was no apology.
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"Now we are seeking an apology from the families of Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi for tarnishing the image of Meghalaya and its people. The people of Meghalaya demand an apology; otherwise, we will file a defamation case against them," Hek stated.
Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi, who got married last month, had come to Meghalaya for their honeymoon. The matter caught national attention due to the couple's sudden disappearance.
On June 2, Raja's body was found in a gorge, while Sonam was still missing.
Then, in a major twist to the case on Monday, she surrendered in Uttar Pradesh's Ghazipur. Four others, identified as Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, Raj Singh Kushwaha and Anand, are also accused of murdering Raja Raghuvanshi.
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