'He called her didi... ': Kin say Raj Kushwaha framed in Meghalaya murder case

LUCKNOW: Relatives of Raj Kushwaha, 21, the man accused of plotting the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, demanded justice and insisted their boy has been framed. They said he called Raja's wife and alleged co-conspirator Sonam "Didi" - holding fast to that word to claim she is not his lover.

The family claimed Wednesday that Raj, who worked as an accountant in Sonam's family business, had no personal ties beyond their workplace. His interactions with Sonam were strictly professional, according to younger sister Suhani. "He called Sonam Didi. He cried when he heard about Raja's death. He went to the funeral and prayed for Sonam's safety," she said.

"My grandson is innocent," grandmother Ram Lalli said. "He kept to himself, worked hard, and never had an affair with anyone. Sonam got her husband killed and is dragging Raj into this." Grandfather Darbari Singh added: "He's the only boy among four siblings. We've never heard his name linked with any girl."

The family said Raj is a soft-spoken, dutiful man shouldering responsibilities since his father died during the Covid pandemic.