Meghalaya HC begins hearing Sonam’s plea; will continue today

Shillong: The Meghalaya high court on Thursday began hearing arguments in defence of Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime accused in the murder of her husband Raja at Sohra in May 2025.

The hearing was not concluded and the court posted the matter for further hearing on Friday.

“Heard Mr S Thapa, learned counsel for the respondent. Hearing is not concluded and will continue tomorrow (05.06.2026). List accordingly,” Judge W Diengdoh ordered in the State of Meghalaya vs Sonam Raghuvanshi case.

On Monday, the HC had heard arguments of the state govt, represented by advocate general A Kumar, seeking cancellation of the bail granted to Sonam.

On May 12, the HC had begun hearing the criminal petition filed by the Meghalaya govt, challenging the bail granted to Sonam.

Sonam was granted conditional bail by additional DC (judicial) of Shillong Dashalene R Kharbteng on April 27, citing procedural lapses during her arrest. Kharbteng said Sonam was not made aware of the correct section of the BNS under which she was held.

The state govt, however, maintained that the accused was made aware by the police of the grounds of her arrest and submitted supporting documents in the court on May 4, seeking revocation of the bail.

Raja, an Indore-based transport businessman, was murdered near a waterfall at Sohra in May 2025 by a gang of four killers hired from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, allegedly at the behest of his newly married wife Sonam, during their ‘honeymoon’ trip.