Instagram Video May Hold Key Clue In Raja Murder Case; Meghalaya Police Write To Social Media Platform

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): In a new development in the murder of Indore youth Raja Raghuvanshi in Meghalaya, the police have reached out to Instagram seeking information about a tourist who unknowingly filmed crucial footage of Raja, Sonam Raghuvanshi, and the three accused, just hours before the crime took place.

According to East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, the tourist — identified as Dev Singh — had posted two videos on Instagram capturing the group trekking from Nongriat to Mawlakhiat in Sohra on May 23. Raja was murdered later that day.

"We tried to contact him directly to record his statement, but there was no response. So, we’ve now formally written to Instagram requesting his details," SP Syiem said.

Dev Singh had first shared the video on May 16, mentioning that he only realised its significance days later. In the footage, Sonam can be seen leading the way uphill, wearing a white t-shirt — the same t-shirt that was later recovered by police near Raja’s body on June 2. She is also carrying a polythene bag, believed to have held a raincoat later found with blood stains.

Singh wrote on Instagram: “While reviewing my videos yesterday, I came across footage of the Indore couple. It was around 9:45 am when we were descending and they were ascending. I believe this might be the final video of the couple. Sonam was wearing the same white t-shirt found near Raja. I hope this helps the police connect the dots.”

He added: “Each time I watch Raja in the video, it saddens me. He looked perfectly normal, unaware of the tragedy that awaited him.”

In a second video shared a day later, the three accused — Vishal Chauhan, Anand Kurmi, and Akash Rajput — are seen following the couple.

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SIT tries to trace missing items, finances behind crime

The Meghalaya SIT team currently stationed in Indore is focusing on tracking missing evidence connected to Raja Raghuvanshi’s murder. Officers are particularly trying to locate the black bag Sonam was seen carrying after the crime, as well as her missing mobile phone, Raja’s jewellery, and other valuables.

The team has questioned multiple people including Sonam’s family and staff members of her father’s company.

Investigators are also probing how Raja arranged Rs 50,000 for the accused’s travel and logistics, and where he procured the mobile phones and SIM cards that the assailants used during the planning and execution of the crime.