Sonal bail case: HC to deliver verdict today

Shillong: The High Court of Meghalaya is set to issue its judgment on Wednesday regarding bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, prime accused in the murder of her husband Raja at Sohra (Cherrapunji) in May last year.

“Mr S Khyriem, learned counsel for the respondent has sought for accommodation in this matter as the written argument could not be filed due to the matter being voluminous according to him,” judge W Diengdoh said in his order on Tuesday.

“Accordingly, as prayed for, list this matter tomorrow i.e. 10.06.2026 for filing of the written argument, failing which necessary orders will be passed,” the judge pronounced.

“It may be mentioned that the written argument on behalf of the State petitioner has already been filed,” Justice Diengdoh mentioned after completing hearing the State of Meghalaya Vs Sonam Raghuvanshi@Bitti@Bittu case.

The defence counsel was to submit written arguments on Tuesday in support of the bail granted to Sonam by a lower court, which has been opposed by the Meghalaya govt.

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 cancellation 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 assailants hired from Madhya Pradesh and UP, allegedly at the behest of his newly married wife, ostensibly, during their ‘honeymoon’ trip.

While Sonam is out on bail, her alleged accomplices are languishing in the Shillong Jail.