“My Son Is Innocent”: Raj Kushwaha’s Family Speaks Out Amid Murder Accusations in Raja Raghuvanshi Case
Ghazipur/Shillong | June 10 — The family of Raj Kushwaha, one of the main accused in the sensational murder case of Indore-based Raja Raghuvanshi, has publicly defended him, asserting his innocence and rejecting any allegations of a relationship between him and the prime accused, Sonam Raghuvanshi — the deceased’s wife.
Raj, currently in police custody, has been described by his family as the sole breadwinner and a man of integrity who would never participate in a criminal conspiracy, let alone murder.
Family Breaks Silence: "He Cannot Do This"
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Raj’s mother tearfully recounted the moment police took her son into custody. “The police are lying. There is no truth in their claims. My son could never do something like this. He has responsibilities. He takes care of us — me and his three sisters. He worked hard and kept to himself,” she said, visibly distraught.
The family, residing in a modest home in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, is still grappling with the shock of the allegations. Raj’s father reportedly passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving the young man to care for his mother and sisters.
One of his sisters added, “Raj is not capable of violence. He has always been respectful and responsible. I also know Vishal [Singh Chauhan]; he’s like our own brother. Both are innocent. These allegations are false.”
“No Relationship With Sonam,” Says Sister
Responding to the central theory floated by police — that Raj and Sonam were in a romantic relationship and plotted Raja’s murder — his sister was firm in her denial. “There was no relationship. How can there be? Raj only worked under her. They were employer and employee. That’s all,” she insisted.
This comes in direct contrast to investigative claims that Raj and Sonam had a romantic history prior to her marriage to Raja Raghuvanshi and that they continued to communicate frequently, even after the wedding.
The Murder That Shocked Two States
The case has sent shockwaves across both Meghalaya and Uttar Pradesh due to its chilling details and interstate criminal coordination.
- May 23: Raja Raghuvanshi and Sonam go missing while on honeymoon in Meghalaya.
- June 2: Raja’s body is discovered in a gorge near Weisawdong Parking Lot.
- June 8: Sonam surrenders at Nandganj police station in Ghazipur.
- June 10: Sonam is to be flown from Patna to Guwahati and then taken to Shillong under police protection.
The Meghalaya Police allege that Sonam, in coordination with Raj Kushwaha and three others — Vishal Singh Chauhan, Anand, and Akash — orchestrated Raja’s murder during the couple’s honeymoon.
According to investigators, Raja’s body bore signs of premeditated murder and was disposed of in a remote area to mislead authorities.
What the Investigation Reveals So Far
- Call Detail Records (CDRs): Police say CDRs show consistent and frequent communication between Sonam and Raj.
- Relationship Angle: Authorities believe the two were romantically involved prior to Sonam's marriage and may have resumed contact.
- Conspiracy Charge: Based on digital and witness evidence, police suspect that the murder was plotted in advance with contract killers.
Sources in the Meghalaya Police also confirmed that Raj was detained during a coordinated operation by Indore and Shillong police units, acting on digital trail evidence.
Sonam's Arrest and Transit to Meghalaya
After remaining untraceable for over two weeks following the discovery of Raja’s body, Sonam surrendered at the Nandganj police station in Ghazipur under mounting pressure from police and media scrutiny. She was immediately taken into custody and transferred to Patna, where she is being held at the Phulwari Sharif police station under tight security.
Police confirmed that Sonam will be flown from Patna Airport to Guwahati on Tuesday at 12:40 p.m. A special convoy will escort her to Shillong by road, where she will be formally interrogated under a five-day transit remand secured by Meghalaya Police.
The Bigger Picture: A Case That’s Far From Over
While Sonam is now in custody and the other accused — including Raj Kushwaha — are also detained, questions about the motive and the nature of each person’s involvement remain under intense investigation.
The Raghuvanshi family, devastated by Raja’s death, has demanded a fast-track trial and maximum punishment for all accused. Meanwhile, Raj's family is calling for an impartial investigation and has urged the police to "look deeper" before making judgments.
As Meghalaya Police begin formal questioning of Sonam in Shillong and proceed with digital forensics, forensic reconstructions, and interrogation of all accused, the case is expected to grow more complex. Legal experts say the case could hinge on:
- Digital evidence and messages
- Testimony from co-accused
- Forensic pathology results
- Witness statements from hotel staff and drivers
For now, Raj Kushwaha’s family stands firm — hopeful that justice will reveal the truth, but deeply shaken by what they call a wrongful accusation.