Sonam bail hearing concludes, HC lists matter for June 9

Shillong: The High Court of Meghalaya completed hearing on Monday (June 8), arguments both against and in defence of Sonam Raghuvanshi, prime accused in the murder of her husband Raja, and listed the matter for Tuesday (June 9).

The defence counsel is set to submit written arguments on Tuesday, following which the HC is likely to take a decision on the conditional bail granted to Sonam by a lower court, which has been opposed by the Meghalaya govt.

“Heard Mr. S. Thapa, learned counsel for the respondent, who has concluded his argument. Also, heard reply by Mr. A. Kumar, learned AG for the State petitioner. Mr. S. Thapa, has submitted that he may be allowed to file written argument in course of the day. List this matter tomorrow (09.06.2026),” Judge W. Diengdoh ordered today in relation to the State of Meghalaya Vs Sonam Raghuvanshi@Bitti@Bittu case.

On Friday (June 5), the HC had continued with hearing arguments of the defence counsel and had listed the matter for further hearing on Monday (June 8).

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

Additional DC (judicial), Shillong, Dashalene R Kharbteng, had granted conditional bail to Sonam on April 27, citing procedural lapses during her arrest, saying she was not made aware of the correct BNS section 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.

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