“He Was at Home”: Raj Kushwaha’s Family Denies Murder Link, Calls Arrest Unjust

Ghazipur: In a fresh twist to the Raja Raghuvanshi honeymoon murder case, the family of prime accused Raj Kushwaha on Tuesday came forward defending his innocence, stating that he was at home and attending work when the murder took place.

“My brother did not go anywhere… You can ask the people at his office. He used to go to his office…the godown daily,” said Kushwaha’s sister while speaking to the media.

Kushwaha’s mother also rejected allegations of his involvement in the crime and insisted he was being framed. “My son cannot do anything like this. He is just 20 years old… My son worked in Sonam’s brother’s factory,” she said, appealing to the government to help “prove him innocent”.

Kushwaha was arrested for his alleged role in the murder of newlywed Raja Raghuvanshi, who was found dead in a gorge during his honeymoon with wife Sonam, now also in police custody. Police believe Kushwaha and Sonam were in a relationship.

“My only demand is that my brother should be released. He is not involved in the murder,” said Kushwaha’s sister.

Raja’s brother Vipul had earlier claimed that Sonam and Kushwaha would “constantly talk on the phone”. “Raj Kushwaha was Sonam’s employee,” he added.

Commenting on the relationship, East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem said, “Yes, it appears so. If you look at it logically, all these days she hadn’t come out, but last night, when Raj Kushwaha and others were caught, suddenly she surfaced. That speaks for itself.”