MP Family, Meghalaya Murder, UP Arrest: What The Law Says About Multi-State Investigations
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Since Raja Raghuvanshi's death took place in Shillong, Meghalaya Police has the legal authority to investigate, arrest, and prosecute, no matter where the accused is located
What began as a romantic getaway ended in death, disappearance, and a trail of suspicion stretching across three states – Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Uttar Pradesh. Nine days after their wedding in Gwalior, newlyweds Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife Sonam set off for what was believed to be a honeymoon to the famed Kamakhya temple in Assam. But their journey took a fatal turn in Shillong, Meghalaya; and now, the bride stands accused of murder.
Raja Raghuvanshi's body was found under suspicious circumstances in Shillong, and a postmortem report, along with evidence from the crime scene, triggered a murder investigation. But the prime suspect, his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi, vanished without a trace.
Who Has The Right To Arrest?
According to Indian criminal law, jurisdiction in murder cases lies with the state where the crime occurred. Since Raja's death took place in Shillong, Meghalaya Police has the legal authority to investigate, arrest, and prosecute, no matter where the accused is eventually located.
This principle is grounded in Sections 156 and 166 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), which empower police to pursue cross-state arrests through a process called 'transit remand". Before moving a suspect to another state, police must present her before a magistrate in the local jurisdiction – in this case, Ghazipur – and secure legal permission to transfer her.
Mysterious Man Named Raj Kushwaha
As the legal formalities unfold, the backstory of Raja and Sonam's relationship has come under renewed scrutiny. Raja's family insists it was an arranged marriage and claim the couple appeared happy in the early days. But cracks are now evident; not just in their brief union, but in the trail Sonam left behind.
The family alleges that Sonam, far from being a grieving widow, was in touch with another man named Raj Kushwaha. Investigators are probing whether this alleged connection played a role in Raja's death. Mobile records and call logs are now key evidence, as police attempt to piece together whether Raja's murder was a crime of opportunity, or a premeditated act involving more than one person.
Adding to the suspicion, Raja and Sonam reportedly had no return tickets booked from Shillong, an odd omission for a couple on their honeymoon. Raja's brother Vipin Raghuvanshi believes this was never a romantic trip at all, but a cold, calculated setup.
'This wasn't a honeymoon. It was a conspiracy," he told reporters, adding that if Raj Kushwaha was involved in the crime, then the plot was far deeper than anyone could imagine.
What's Next In The Investigation?
Meghalaya Police are now expected to appear before a court in Ghazipur to formally request transit remand. Once granted, Sonam will be taken back to Shillong for questioning. Investigators will analyse digital footprints, track Sonam's communications, and explore the possible involvement of Raj Kushwaha.
Meanwhile, Raja's family is pushing for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, citing the multi-state nature of the case and potential conspiracy.
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First Published:
June 09, 2025, 18:21 IST
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