Honeymoon murder: Meghalaya minister seeks apology from Raj & Sonam’s kin for ‘tarnishing state’s image’, warns of defamation case | Shillong News

SHILLONG: Following the arrest of Sonam Raghuvanshi and four others in connection with the murder of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, during their honeymoon in Meghalaya, the state’s political leadership has hit back at earlier allegations that painted Meghalaya in a poor light.Meghalaya minister Alexander Laloo Hek said the families of Raja and Sonam owe an apology for remarks that, he claimed, tarnished the reputation of the state and its people. He also stated that if they don’t apologise to the people of Meghalaya, a defamation case will be filed against them.“Now we are seeking an apology from the families of Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi for tarnishing the image of Meghalaya and its people,” Hek added.“The people of Meghalaya demand an apology; otherwise, we will file a defamation case against them,” Hek warned.Hek also praised the swift and efficient action taken by Meghalaya Police. “We are thankful to the Meghalaya Police for their crackdown and complete investigation within seven days,” Hek said.He also confirmed that Sonam Raghuvanshi will be brought back to Shillong as the investigation progresses further.The statement comes amid widespread public and media attention on the murder case, which unfolded during the couple’s honeymoon in Meghalaya.From marriage to custody: Details on how the murder unfoldedMay 11 | Sonam and Raja Raghuvanshi marryMay 15 | She goes to her parents; begins plotting murder with lover, say policeMay 20 | Raja and Sonam leave for Kamakhya Temple. Make unscheduled trip to MeghalayaMay 23 | Travel to Nongriat village near Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Shillong. Same day, village head alerts police that a scooter is abandoned, with keys in ignitionMay 24 | Raja’s family contact police after learning about a ‘missing couple’ on a Trip Advisor reviewMay 25 | Meghalaya police start intensive search. Raja’s brother arrives in ShillongMay 27 | Home minister Amit Shah informed about the case. CM Mohan Yadav sends police team to ShillongJune 2 | Drone spots Raja’s decomposed body in a deep gorge near Wei Sawdong Waterfall. He is identified from a tattooJune 3 | Postmortem confirms he was killed with a ‘dao’June 4 | Raja’s body brought to Indore for funeral. Family demands CBI probeJune 6 | 14-minute CCTV footage of couple at a hotel surfacesJune 7 | CM Yadav urges Amit Shah for CBI probeJune 8-9 | Sonam arrested in Ghazipur, UP, 1200km from Shillong., Four others nabbed in Indore, Lalitpur & Bina