Raja Raghuvanshi Murder: 'Saw the couple climbing up with three men', says guide Albert Pde

ANI June 13, 2025 341 views

A local guide in Meghalaya spotted Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi with three men before their tragic murder. Police identified Raj Kushwaha as the mastermind, with Sonam allegedly involved in the conspiracy. The accused, including Sonam, have been remanded to police custody. Investigations continue to uncover further details in this chilling case.

"On May 23, I saw the couple climbing up with three men... I identified one from police photos." – Albert Pde
Cherrapunji, June 13: In a development in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, Albert Pde, a local guide from Meghalaya's Mawlakhiyat village, said that he had spotted Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi with three men. The guide said that he was able to identify one of them from the photographs provided by the police.

Key Points

1

Guide Albert Pde saw Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi with three men before murder

2

SP Vivek Syiem confirms Raj Kushwaha as mastermind

3

Sonam Raghuvanshi allegedly involved in the conspiracy

4

Five accused, including Sonam, remanded to police custody

Albert had offered his services to Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi on May 22. The couple refused and chose another guide.

The next day, Pde saw them again, this time, with three unidentified men, climbing 3,000 steps towards Mawlakhiyat.

Speaking to ANI, Pde said, "On May 23, I saw the couple climbing up with three men. The men were walking ahead, and the woman was behind them. They were talking in Hindi. I was able to identify one of the suspects from the photographs provided by the police."

Superintendent of Police (SP) Vivek Syiem disclosed that the murder was orchestrated by Raj Kushwaha, who was identified as the mastermind behind the killing.

SP Syiem said, "The mastermind of this is Raj Kushwaha. Sonam played along with this plan. The three people involved are friends; one is Raj's cousin. It was not a contract killing. They did it as a favour for their friend. Since they were in Indore, they have been planning how Sonam would disappear since February. When Raja and Sonam got married, they came to the Kamakhya Devi Temple. The other four people also came here a few days before. They planned to eliminate Raja in Guwahati. Sonam made the plan to come to Shillong."

The police have arrested the accused, and further investigations are underway to uncover additional details in the case.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the court remanded all five key accused, including Sonam Raghuvanshi, to eight days of police custody in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, said police.

Reader Comments

A
Amit K.
This is absolutely chilling! How can someone plan such a cold-blooded murder for months? The guide's testimony seems crucial. Hope justice is served swiftly. Our tourism industry doesn't need such negative publicity either.
P
Priya M.
The guide Albert Pde deserves appreciation for coming forward. Many locals might hesitate to get involved in such cases. Shows the importance of community cooperation in investigations. 🙏
R
Rahul S.
So disturbing that they planned this during a pilgrimage to Kamakhya Devi Temple! Some people have no fear of divine justice. The police seem to have cracked the case quickly though - good work.
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Neha T.
This case shows why we need better tourist safety measures in remote areas. Maybe mandatory guide registration or tracking systems for solo travelers? Just a thought after this tragic incident.
S
Sanjay V.
The police should investigate if this was really just a "favor" or if there was money involved. Sounds too elaborate for just helping a friend. Hope the courts give maximum punishment to set an example.
M
Meena P.
While the crime is horrific, I hope media doesn't sensationalize this too much. The Northeast is generally very safe for tourists. One bad incident shouldn't create wrong perceptions about the region.

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Raja Raghuvanshi murder Sonam Raghuvanshi Albert Pde Raj Kushwaha Meghalaya crime