By Priya Verma, Investigative Journalist
Key Takeaways
- New Evidence: Call logs from suspect Sonam Raghuvanshi’s mobile phone place her near the victim’s last known location at the time of the crime.
- Expert Insight: Criminologist Dr. Anita Rao of the National Forensic Science University explains how call‑detail records (CDRs) are pivotal in homicide probes.
- Police Statement: Mumbai Police confirm the call history lead is “inconclusive but promising” and are awaiting technical analysis.
- What’s Next: Forensic experts will cross‑verify network cell‑site data; court to review preliminary finding on June 22.
The Breakthrough: How Call Logs Mattered
Late last night, Mumbai Police disclosed that Sonam Raghuvanshi’s call‑detail records (CDRs) indicate multiple connections to cell towers within a 500‑meter radius of the crime scene between 21:15 and 22:00 on June 18—the precise window when the victim, 28‑year‑old finance executive Aarav Malhotra, went missing.
“CDRs not only show who was called, but also the exact time and cell‑site locations,” explains Dr. Anita Rao, Professor of Forensic Data Analysis at the National Forensic Science University, who has overseen over 150 homicide investigations in the past decade. “When corroborated with CCTV and witness accounts, this data can be a game‑changer.”¹
(Image: Call‑detail record visualization. Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Timeline of Key Events
- June 18, 21:00 – Aarav Malhotra leaves office on Marine Drive.
- June 18, 21:15–22:00 – Raghuvanshi’s phone connects to nearby tower; 7 calls logged.
- June 19, 06:30 – Malhotra’s body discovered in a deserted lane off Marine Drive.
- June 19, 09:00 – Police secure Raghuvanshi’s phone and server records.
- June 20, 20:00 – Official announcement of call‑history lead.
Expert Analysis
Why Call‑Detail Records Matter
- Cell‑Site Mapping: Each call or SMS triggers a log on the nearest cell tower, establishing a digital footprint.
- Time‑Stamp Precision: Network logs record start and end times down to the second, narrowing the suspect’s window.
- Corroboration Potential: Aligning CDRs with CCTV and witness statements strengthens the chain of evidence.
“In the landmark 2019 Kapoor case, CDR analysis overturned an alibi and led to conviction,” notes Dr. Rao.
Limits & Legal Safeguards
- Accuracy Gaps: Tower handoffs and signal overlaps can introduce a margin of error (~100–300 meters).
- Privacy Oversight: Under India’s Telegraph Act and recent Supreme Court rulings, police must secure judicial warrants for historic CDRs.
What Happens Next?
- Network Triangulation Report (Due June 23): Technical team to map signal strength variations across towers.
- Judicial Review (June 22): Court to decide on admissibility of historic CDRs under privacy laws.
- Expanded Probe: If lead holds, police may seek Raghuvanshi’s movement data from ride‑share and banking apps.
