New Delhi [India], July 19: Silome James, a co-accused in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, has been granted regular bail by the Court of First Class Judicial Magistrate DKK Mihsill. Advocate Devesh Sharma from Indore, representing James, confirmed the court’s decision and noted that a bond of ₹5,000 was submitted.
“Part of our argument was that we have no link in this case,” Sharma said, asserting his client’s lack of involvement in the murder.
The murder case has also intersected with a separate controversy involving alleged defamatory remarks about the Maa Kamakhya Temple, one of the most sacred Shakti Peethas in India.
On July 3, the Crime Branch of Guwahati Police summoned Shrishti Raghuwanshi, cousin of the deceased Raja Raghuvanshi, and a news anchor over statements made during a televised interview. The interview reportedly contained unverified and defamatory comments about the temple, sparking concerns over religious sentiment and communal harmony.
According to Joint Police Commissioner Ankur Jain, the Investigating Officer (IO) issued BNSS Section 35(3) notices to the anchor, the news channel, and Shrishti Raghuwanshi to appear for questioning on June 23 and 24, but they failed to respond.
The case has been registered under Sections 196(2), 299, and 302 of the BNSS, 2023, at the Crime Branch Police Station (Case No. 04/2025).
“The statements are against the revered temple of Hindu deity Maa Kamakhya of Assam, thereby hurting the religious sentiments of a particular community and disturbing public peace and communal harmony,” said Jain.
The investigation into both the murder case and the alleged communal provocation remains ongoing, with further legal proceedings expected in the coming weeks.