By Megha Rawat
Govind Raghuvanshi, brother of Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime accused in the murder of Indore-based transport businessman Raja Raghuvanshi — has reportedly stated that he will not consult any lawyer on her behalf until the police investigation concludes and he gets a chance to meet her in person. Sonam and three other suspects are currently held in a Meghalaya jail in connection with the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, which occurred during the couple’s honeymoon in the state. The Indore couple disappeared on May 23 while on their honeymoon. On June 2, Raja鈥檚 mutilated body was discovered in a deep gorge in Meghalaya’s Sohra. Sonam was later located at a roadside eatery in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. Speaking to News18 MP, Govind Raghuvanshi said he has received several offers from lawyers willing to represent Sonam. 鈥淚鈥檝e been receiving calls from at least 10 to 15 lawyers, offering to take up the case and handle everything. But I have asked all of them to wait. As I鈥檝e said before, I do not want to hire any lawyer right now, and that鈥檚 still the case. We will not hire any lawyer until we have spoken to Sonam,鈥 he said. When asked about his plans to hire a lawyer, Govind clarified, 鈥淟ook, I haven鈥檛 spoken to any lawyer yet, nor am I searching for one. Since day one, I have insisted that I want to meet Sonam. But since the ongoing police investigation, meeting her right now wouldn鈥檛 be appropriate. Once the probe is complete, I want to meet her. Only after that will I make any decision.鈥 Responding to reports that Raja鈥檚 family plans to perform Sonam鈥檚 pind daan — a Hindu last rite ritual — Govind said his family respects and supports their decision. 鈥淚f Raja鈥檚 family wants to perform the pind daan for Sonam, they absolutely can. They have full rights to do so, and we would also like to be with them during the ritual… Tradition also says that the family should perform the pind daan so that they can do it,鈥 according to a report by Live Hindustan. Regarding the jewellery given to Sonam by Raja鈥檚 family during the wedding, Govind said, 鈥淲e鈥檝e returned all the gold that Raja鈥檚 family gave to Sonam. Only one chain remains, which is in police custody. They can collect it from the police once the proceedings are over. Other than that, everything has been returned from our side.鈥 Raja and Sonam tied the knot on May 11. The case has attracted widespread attention, with investigations underway in two states and both families issuing public statements. Meghalaya Police recently stated that the main accused, Sonam, along with her alleged boyfriend Raj Kushwaha, have confessed to both their relationship and their involvement in the murder of Sonam’s husband, Raja Raghuvanshi. Superintendent of Police (East Khasi Hills) Vivek Syiem said, 鈥淏oth Sonam and Raj have admitted to the crime and have recreated the crime scene for the police.” Police officials believe that the affair between Sonam and Raj is a key motive in the murder. However, they have not ruled out other possible factors, such as financial gain.