NEW DELHI: As more details emerge in the Shahbad Dairy murder case, involving the tragic killing of a 16-year-old girl in full public view by her stalker, a conversation with her best friend Neetu sheds light on the harrowing ordeal the victim endured in the week leading up to her murder.
Neetu, who shared a deep bond with the victim, disclosed the unsettling events that unfolded prior to the fatal incident. According to Neetu, the victim had been relentlessly pursued and harassed by her stalker. Despite being aware of the danger, she took the courageous step of meeting him in person after contacting him through Instagram.
Neetu revealed that the victim had confided in her about the escalating threats and expressed her fears for her own safety. Neetu recalled the victim’s heartbreaking words, “He wants to kill me because I no longer wish to continue our relationship.” Deeply concerned for her friend’s well-being, Neetu immediately advised her to seek help from the police by dialing the emergency hotline number 100. However, the victim hesitated, expressing her fear that involving the authorities might result in harm to her parents, as the stalker had made terrifying threats in that regard. Neetu described the stalker as an extremely dangerous individual.
In an effort to protect her friend, Neetu offered her support and reassurance, allowing the victim to stay at her house for a period of 14 to 15 days. During this time, the victim’s mother would frequently call to ensure her daughter’s safety, demonstrating a high level of concern and involvement in her well-being.
Neetu explained that the victim had previously used a basic keypad phone to maintain contact. However, due to damage, she no longer possessed this device and began utilizing Neetu’s phone to access her Instagram account. Neetu clarified that although the victim had logged into her Instagram account on Neetu’s phone, she respected her friend’s privacy and refrained from prying into her personal Instagram chats.
Recounting the events leading up to the fatal night, Neetu disclosed that on that day, she and the victim had gone to the market together to purchase clothes and items for Neetu’s daughter’s birthday party. Afterward, the victim went to visit another friend named Bhawna, while Neetu returned home. It was later, through a distressing phone call from Bhawna, that Neetu learned of the unimaginable tragedy that had occurred. Bhawna revealed that the victim had met the stalker, pretending to go to the toilet before their encounter. Neetu was unaware of the details regarding how they had arranged the meeting, speculating that it may have been coordinated through Instagram.
Neetu also disclosed that a day before the incident, the victim and Bhawna had confronted the stalker, urging him to cease his harassment of the victim. Neetu expressed her belief that the murder had been meticulously planned by the stalker, indicating a high level of premeditation and malevolence.
The emerging details of the case are deeply disturbing, shedding light on the terrifying experiences the victim endured prior to her tragic death. The police investigation continues as they analyze additional CCTV footage from the vicinity where the victim was last seen walking towards the fateful location.