‘Greed’ may have driven the three arrested accused to destroy crucial evidence linked to the murder of local businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, police said today.
The three individuals, Lokendra Singh Tomar (landowner), Silome James (property dealer), and Balla Ahirwar (security guard) were arrested this week for tampering evidence, including items belonging to Sonam and Raja that were kept in the Indore flat, which was rented out to murder co-accused Vishal Chauhan.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem on Tuesday ruled out their involvement in the murder but indicated that it was a calculated act driven by greed.
“From their actions, it’s clear they’re guilty of destroying evidence. They took off in different directions — Haridwar, Bhopal, and Ashok Nagar — which shows consciousness of guilt. We have CCTV footage of them removing the box from the flat,” Syiem confirmed.
He said it was only after the main accused were arrested and brought to Shillong that the trio discovered that Sonam had taken shelter at the flat in Indore’s Dewas Naka locality.
“We didn’t know where she (Sonam) had gone initially. It was only through further investigation that we traced the flat. The place was kept under surveillance with help from Indore Police, but by the time our team got there, everything had been cleared.” Syiem said.
“Destruction of evidence is an offence and in this case, the evidence connecting the crime scene at Weisawdong to the Indore flat was vital,” he added.
Police have been looking for a bag/box that Sonam took back to Indore from Sohra after Raja’s murder, which reportedly had a substantial amount of cash, jewellery and her second phone. However, based on leads from James, the SIT recovered a charred bag on Sunday afternoon in Indore.
Debris collected from the scene—including burnt items suspected to include electronic devices — has been sent to a central forensic laboratory for analysis.
The SP also dismissed the need for a narco-analysis test on Sonam and her alleged lover Raj Khushwaha at this stage, a demand made by the victim’s family.
“Narco tests are not admissible in court and are only used when there’s no evidence. In this case, both accused have confessed, and we have strong corroborating material,” he maintained.
Syiem said police efforts are now focused on building a “watertight” case indicating that a chargesheet will be filed at record speed.
“We have unravelled the case and our focus is on building strong evidence, not just relying on confessions. Hopefully, we will be able to file the chargesheet at the earliest.”
Asked if the case was still being viewed through the lens of a love triangle, Syiem said, “There is a relationship between Raj and Sonam. Both had their own companies and were looking to further their business. The motive seems to have stemmed from that relationship and a desire to eliminate Raja from the picture.”
