3 accused in evidence tampering likely to be produced in court on Thursday: SP

CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police (SP) Vivek Syiem on Tuesday said that three recently arrested individuals, linked to the destruction of key evidence in the murder case of Raja Raghuvanshi, are expected to be produced before the court on Thursday. He added that police are continuing efforts to piece together the details of the crime.

“We have to bring Tomar here for interrogation. Why did Tomar and Silome James remove the items? Was it out of greed, or was there another motive? Hopefully, they will arrive the day after tomorrow, and we will produce them in court,” said Syiem.

He further stated, “We have made significant progress in solving this case. Our goal is to build solid evidence, not just rely on the accused’s statements. We are focused on corroborating their admissions with concrete proof. Hopefully, we will be able to file the chargesheet soon.”

According to SP Syiem, both Raj and Sonam have admitted to being in a relationship. He revealed that during the investigation, assistants and other accused persons were picked up from various locations. Only after they were brought in did the full picture emerge, including the revelation that Sonam had been staying at a flat in Indore.

Initially, police had no information about Sonam’s exact whereabouts. “She had gone to Indore, but we didn’t know the specific location. It was only after eight days of interrogation that we learned where she was. Our team then alerted the Indore police, and the location was kept under surveillance. However, by the time our team returned, the place had been emptied. This happened after June 10, and we discovered it only once the accused were brought here,” he explained.

Commenting on the destruction of evidence, Syiem said, “Tampering with or destroying evidence is a serious offence. Although we have sufficient evidence, this particular aspect makes the case even stronger. One key item was moved from Weisawdong to the flat in Indore, linking the accused to the crime. Therefore, those who destroyed that evidence are also implicated.”

He confirmed that debris and burnt material have been recovered and are under examination. “We have collected debris from the burnt materials. A forensic team from Madhya Pradesh visited the scene, and we are sending the samples to the central forensic lab. Some burnt pieces were recovered—possibly a phone—but we have not yet identified them. So far, there’s no sign of a pistol or jewellery.”

“Once the new accused are brought here, we will interrogate them to determine where they may have disposed of the missing items,” Syiem added.

Two individuals were produced before the court two days ago and were remanded to seven days’ transit custody. Another person from Gwalior was arrested on Monday and is being produced in court on Tuesday. “We are also seeking transit remand for him,” said the SP.

On their involvement in the case, he stated, “It is clear these individuals destroyed vital evidence. The gold belonging to Sonam and a chain belonging to Raja were inside a box that was later taken to Indore. That box was crucial evidence. Its destruction suggests greed. We have proof that they removed the box.”

The murder of Raja Raghuvanshi on May 23 shocked the region. His body was discovered on June 2 after an intense search and investigation. Since then, the police have been working methodically to track each suspect’s involvement and recover any destroyed or hidden evidence.

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