Shillong, Nov 10: A second chargesheet in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case is expected to be filed by the third week of November, after the arrival of forensic reports from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Hyderabad, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said today.
“The second chargesheet is on its way. Once we get the forensic reports from CFSL Hyderabad, we will be able to submit it. Our deadline is by the first week of December, but we are hopeful to file it by the third week of November,” Syiem stated.
A 790-page charge sheet was filed at the end of October against prime accused Sonam Raghuvanshi (the victim’s wife), her lover Raj Khushwaha and three suspected hitmen. At the time police said a supplementary charge sheet would be filed against Silome James, Lokendra Singh Tomar and Balbir Ahirwar, who allegedly played a role in tampering with or concealing key evidence in the case.
Syiem added that the investigation team has sufficient evidence to move forward but is awaiting the forensic results to strengthen the case further. “There’s enough ground, adequate ground as of now, but let us clinch the matter once the forensic report arrives,” he said.
Responding to speculations that the accused might secure bail easily, Syiem said the police have built a strong case. “We’ve built a tight case, and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has prepared a very robust chargesheet. Bail, however, does not depend on police investigation; it lies entirely at the discretion of the court,” he clarified.
A petition for bail on October 17 had been rejected.
