Hawala, Not Heartbreak: Raja Raghuvanshi’s Murder May Be Tied To Money, Not Love

Hawala, Not Heartbreak: Raja Raghuvanshi’s Murder May Be Tied To Money, Not Love

All the five accused are being interrogated separately by the SIT

Staff ReporterUpdated: Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 10:47 AM IST
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Hawala, Not Heartbreak: Raja Raghuvanshi’s Murder May Be Tied To Money, Not Love | FP Photo

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): The murder of Raja Raghuvanshi may not be about a soured love story after all. As his grieving family searches for answers, investigators are beginning to believe that the motive could lie in something deeper—family business disputes, shady financial links and a possible hawala racket.

What began as a shocking tale of a newlywed bride and her alleged lover plotting murder has now morphed into a complex web of deceit and money. Meghalaya DGP Idashisha Nongrang, who is closely monitoring the case, isn’t convinced by the love triangle theory that initially grabbed headlines.

“In my personal opinion, I find it very difficult to accept the motive given by the accused. It doesn’t sit well,” Nongrang said in Shillong. “I find it hard to believe that someone would harbour such deadly hatred just days into a marriage. The love angle seems superficial.”

All the five accused—including Sonam Raghuvanshi and Raj Kushwaha—are being interrogated separately by the SIT. Investigators are now focusing on the Raghuvanshi family's financial dealings and possible hawala transactions. Another key lead: A witness from a bus journey in Uttar Pradesh recalls Sonam being dropped off by two unidentified men. Who were they? What role did they play?

For Raja’s family, who had demanded a narco test on the accused, the search for truth is still ongoing. The DGP has ruled out the test for now but assured that every possible motive is under scrutiny.

Sonam taken for mental check

On Monday, Sonam Raghuvanshi was taken to the Meghalaya Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (MIMHANS) for a psychiatric evaluation part of a routine process to check her mental well-being while in custody.

East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem told reporters, “Sonam was taken for a routine psychiatric check-up to assess if she is showing signs of depression. This was done on a doctor’s recommendation after her initial examination.”

When asked if she showed signs of mental instability, Syiem said clearly, “No. It was just a routine evaluation.” As the murder case unfolds and emotions run high, police say such checks are standard practice for the well-being of those in custody.

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