Clerical error led to bail in Meghalaya honeymoon murder case: Court

Court records reviewed by NDTV suggest the decision may have been influenced by a possible “clerical error” in arrest documentation.

Key Issue: Wrong legal section cited

The court found inconsistencies in the paperwork related to her arrest:

The FIR correctly invoked Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to murder.

However, the “Intimation of Grounds of Arrest” reportedly cited Section 403(1) — which does not exist in the BNS framework.

Under the old IPC, Section 403 relates to dishonest misappropriation of property, creating confusion in the legal documentation.

The court noted that none of the arrest-related documents clearly informed her of the murder charge under Section 103(1), raising questions about procedural compliance.

Court flags multiple documentation errors

According to the order, the incorrect section number appeared across several official records, including:

• Arrest memo
• Rights intimation documents
• Case diary extracts
• Justification checklist for arrest

The court observed that such consistent errors could not easily be dismissed as a simple clerical mistake.

The court also pointed out that there was no evidence Sonam had legal representation during her initial court appearance in Ghazipur, which may have prevented earlier objection to the procedural lapses.

Bail granted with strict conditions

Sonam was granted bail by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Judicial), Shillong, under these conditions:

• No absconding or tampering with evidence/witnesses
• Mandatory appearance in court on all hearing dates
• No travel outside jurisdiction without permission
• ₹50,000 personal bond with two sureties

Background of the case

Raja Raghuvanshi, an Indore-based businessman, married Sonam on May 11, 2025. The couple went to Meghalaya for their honeymoon on May 20 and soon went missing.

Raja’s body was recovered on June 2 from a gorge near Wei Sawdong Falls.

Investigators allege that Sonam, along with her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha and three hired men, plotted the murder and staged it as an accident.

Sonam later surrendered in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur on June 9, while co-accused remain in custody.