Murder confession on Instagram helps cops nab juveniles in Unani doctor’s killing case

A social media post led the police to a juvenile allegedly involved in the cold-blooded murder of a Unani doctor in the Jaitpur area of South East Delhi, officials said on Friday.

The main shooter was arrested from near Anand Vihar on Thursday while the other two were held by the local police on Friday.

Unani practitioner Dr Javed Akhtar was shot inside Nima Hospital between 1 and 1.30 am.

According to officials, two juveniles had arrived at the hospital to change the dressing on one of the accused, who had an injured toe. They had also visited the previous day for the same purpose but were actually scouting the hospital, the officials added.

“The issue arose from a disagreement the day before, during their initial visit to the hospital. After a heated argument, the juveniles left but returned the next day, got their dressing, went to the doctor’s cabin for a prescription and then shot him,” a senior official said.

The Crime Branch’s Southern Range team visited the scene and analysed CCTV footage from the hospital’s reception, dressing room and gallery. The police received a tip about a suspect linked to the crime when one of the 17-year-olds involved in the shooting posted on Instagram with the caption ‘Kar diya murder 2024 mein’ (Committed a murder in 2024), another official said.

The juvenile’s Instagram profile was traced and his phone number was placed under surveillance. After further investigation, the police apprehended the juvenile in the Anand Vihar area.

During interrogation, the juvenile confessed to his involvement in the murder, along with his accomplice, another juvenile.

“He said they had obtained the pistol used in the crime from Babu of Khadda Colony in Jaitpur, and later stored it with a friend in Jafrabad after the murder,” officials stated.