Shillong, Jul 29: The family of Raja Raghuvanshi has welcomed the surrender of prime accused Sonam Raghuvanshi, the victim’s wife, but is continuing to seek the “strictest punishment” for all those accused in the murder case.
Sonam surrendered before the sessions court here on Tuesday after the Supreme Court cancelled her bail on July 23. She is on trial for the murder of Raja last year, which had allegedly been planned with Sonam’s boyfriend and carried out with the help of three hired killers.
Raja’s brother, Bipin, who arrived in Shillong on Tuesday, said he was in the city to appear before the court in connection with the ongoing proceedings in the case.
Speaking to reporters, Bipin said he had been informed about Sonam’s surrender and also saw her during a video-conferencing proceeding from jail today.
“I came to Shillong yesterday because I was given a date to appear in court today,” he said.
Reacting to Sonam’s surrender, Bipin said the family would be satisfied only when she and the other accused are awarded the maximum punishment permissible under the law.
“We will be happy when Sonam and the other accused are given the strictest punishment possible. If possible, they should be given the death penalty,” he said.
He said the family would be able to find peace only after justice was delivered and called for the trial to be completed at the earliest.
Bipin also expressed hope that Sonam would remain in custody until the conclusion of the proceedings. The Supreme Court, however, left it open for Sonam to move another bail plea if the trial does not conclude within six months.
Bipin further raised concerns over what he described as inadequate institutional mechanisms for addressing complaints made by men, particularly in cases involving alleged harassment or abuse in relationships. Alleging that complaints by women are often acted upon immediately, he said complaints made by men do not always receive the same consideration.
“When a woman goes to a police station and files a complaint, immediate action is taken. But when a man goes to the police station and says he has been tortured by his wife or girlfriend, his complaint is not immediately heard,” Bipin alleged.
