On May 18, 2022, a gruesome crime shook the nation when Shraddha Walkar was brutally murdered by her live-in partner, Aaftab Poonawala, in Delhi’s Mehrauli. The chilling details of the case, involving the dismemberment of Shraddha’s body into 35 pieces, storage in a fridge, and disposal in the Chhatarpur jungle, have kept the case in the public eye. As the trial progresses in Delhi’s Saket Court, the case continues to evoke strong emotions, particularly for Shraddha’s younger brother, Shrijay, who has taken up the responsibility of seeking justice after the tragic loss of his family.
Background of the Case
Shraddha Walkar, a young woman who had pursued a Bachelor’s in Mass Media, was in a live-in relationship with Aaftab Poonawala. The couple met in Mumbai and lived together in various locations, including Nayagaon in 2019 and Vasai in October 2020, where Aaftab introduced Shraddha as his wife. In May 2022, they relocated to Delhi, renting a flat in Chhatarpur. Their relationship was marred by frequent conflicts, with a documented history of abuse. In November 2020, Shraddha filed a complaint at the Tuling police station in Palghar, alleging that Aaftab mistreated her, physically assaulted her, and even attempted to strangle her.
On May 18, 2022, an argument escalated into a fatal confrontation. Aaftab strangled Shraddha to death, and in a calculated effort to conceal the crime, he dismembered her body into 35 pieces, burned her face to prevent identification, and stored the remains in a fridge he purchased the following day. Over the next 18 days, Aaftab disposed of the body parts in the Chhatarpur jungle, often at midnight, as captured in CCTV footage. During police interrogation, he admitted to consuming beer and ordering food from Zomato while dismembering the body, a process that took approximately 10 hours. He also washed the pieces for an hour before sealing them in polythene bags.
A Brother’s Grief and Anger
Shrijay, Shraddha’s younger brother by four years, is now the sole family member actively pursuing the case. The past five years have been devastating for him, having lost his mother, sister, and father, Vikas Walkar, who passed away from a heart attack. Shrijay’s grandmother, the only other surviving family member, was taken by his aunt due to her poor health, leaving Shrijay alone. He expressed his profound loneliness, stating, “In five years, my entire family has been wiped out. Now, I’m alone at home. I cook for myself. That’s how I’m managing.”
In an emotional interview with Hindi daily Dainik Bhaskar, Shrijay shared his lingering questions and frustration. “There are many questions. If I ever come face-to-face with Aaftab, I will ask him. No matter how many disagreements or fights there were with Shraddha, or how things weren’t working out, why did he do this to her? He could have just left her.” Shrijay’s anger is not only directed at Aaftab but also at Shraddha, whom he believes made a critical mistake by choosing to live with Aaftab despite family objections. “One mistake, and everything was over,” he said, reflecting on her decision to prioritise her relationship over her family’s advice.
Family Dynamics and Shraddha’s Relationship with Aaftab
Shrijay revealed that the family strongly disapproved of Shraddha’s relationship with Aaftab. In 2021, when Shraddha briefly returned to live with her family, both Shrijay and their father, Vikas, urged her to stay and rebuild their family unit after their mother’s passing. However, Aaftab’s influence over Shraddha was profound, leading her to disregard her family’s concerns. “She didn’t give importance to the family. Earlier, she used to listen to everyone and respect everyone,” Shrijay recalled.
The family’s disapproval culminated in heated arguments, particularly when Aaftab visited their home in 2021, prompting strong objections from both parents. Shraddha’s decision to leave home and live with Aaftab was a turning point, driven by ongoing familial conflicts over the relationship. Shrijay also noted a change in Shraddha’s behaviour after her relationship with Aaftab began. Despite her education in mass media, she worked at a call centre, a job her family disapproved of, further straining their relationship.
Shrijay’s last contact with Shraddha was toward the end of 2021 when she visited home, followed by a conversation in 2022. He was unaware of the physical abuse she endured, as she never disclosed it. “We used to ask her how she was, where she was, if she was okay, but she never shared anything openly,” he said. Reflecting on Aaftab, Shrijay admitted that he never suspected him capable of such a heinous act. “Maybe he hid his true self, or maybe we just couldn’t see it,” he added.
Memories of Shraddha
Despite his frustration, Shrijay’s memories of Shraddha are filled with warmth. He fondly recalled their trekking trips, where she took great care of him. “Whenever I think of her, I remember trekking with her. There was a lot of love between us,” he said. Shrijay now carries the responsibility of performing Shraddha’s last rites, a task his father had hoped to fulfill. However, their spiritual advisor, Guruji, advised waiting for her remains, as rituals without them would be incomplete. The inability to retrieve Shraddha’s bones, which remain part of the case evidence, adds to Shrijay’s grief.
Encounters with Aaftab’s Family
Shrijay noted that his father, Vikas, attempted to contact Aaftab’s family in Mumbai after the murder. They claimed to have no connection with Aaftab and, on some occasions, insulted Vikas, eventually leaving their residence. Their current whereabouts are unknown, leaving Shrijay with no further interaction with them.
Legal Proceedings: The Case in Saket Court
The Shraddha Walkar murder case is being heard in Delhi’s Saket Court, with the trial at a critical juncture as of June 3, 2025. The case relies heavily on circumstantial evidence, as there are no eyewitnesses to the murder, making it more complex than high-profile cases like Nirbhaya, where an eyewitness and the victim’s statement were available. Advocate Seema Kushwaha, representing Shrijay, provided detailed insights into the ongoing proceedings.
The testimony of Investigation Officer Ram Singh, who interrogated Aaftab and uncovered the gruesome details of the murder, has been a cornerstone of the trial. His testimony, which began in late February 2025 and concluded on May 29, 2025, was the longest so far. “The facts, evidence, and testimonies collected are being revisited through Ram Singh,” Seema explained. “The entire story of the murder is being presented in court with facts, and the defence lawyer will question every detail.”
Ram Singh’s testimony detailed Aaftab’s confession, including how he dismembered Shraddha’s body and disposed of the remains. The defence is now set to cross-examine him, a process expected to span additional hearings. The court meticulously reviews every piece of evidence, including Shraddha’s bones, the fridge, the knife, and other items, which are brought to each hearing as per court procedure.
Witness Testimonies and Evidence
The main and supplementary chargesheets list 212 witnesses, of whom 169 have completed their testimonies. The remaining witnesses, primarily minor, will likely submit affidavits rather than appear in court. Aaftab’s defence has submitted affidavits from approximately eight witnesses, including a close mutual friend of Shraddha and Aaftab, whose identity remains confidential. These written testimonies may lead to court appearances if deemed necessary.
CCTV footage showing Aaftab carrying a bag at night has been pivotal, with police suspecting he was disposing of Shraddha’s body parts during these outings. Additional evidence includes bank transfer records, showing Aaftab transferred Rs 54,000 from Shraddha’s account to his own between May 22 and 26, 2022, and mobile location data placing her phone in Chhatarpur until it was switched off on May 26.
Aaftab’s Conduct and Delays
Aaftab has yet to testify, though he attends every hearing, remaining silent except when consulting his lawyer. Seema accused the defence of deliberately delaying the trial by missing hearings or citing conflicts with other cases, which has prolonged the process. “No witness testimony can be completed without the defence lawyer,” she noted. Aaftab’s frequent changes of legal representation and lack of visible remorse have further frustrated the prosecution and Shraddha’s family.
Challenges in the Case
The absence of eyewitnesses poses a significant challenge, with the case relying entirely on circumstantial evidence. Seema contrasted this with the Nirbhaya case, where direct evidence expedited the trial. “No one saw the murder happen, but there is circumstantial evidence that the accused committed the murder,” she said. The lengthy trial process, coupled with the defence’s tactics, has delayed justice, leaving Shrijay and the prosecution awaiting a resolution.
The Crime Scene and Its Aftermath
The flat where the murder occurred remains in police custody as case property, causing financial losses for the owner, whose petition to reclaim it was rejected by the court. Tenants in nearby flats shared their experiences. A second-floor tenant, unaware of the murder when renting the flat, said, “It felt strange when we found out, but I’ve never felt scared.” Asha, a teacher living opposite the flat, noted initial unease, particularly for her young son, but said, “Now things feel normal.”
Aaftab’s Arrest and Investigation
Aaftab initially evaded suspicion but was apprehended after police traced bank transfers and Shraddha’s mobile location. On November 3, 2022, the Manikpur police recorded his statement, by which time they had substantial evidence. Aaftab’s confession, combined with physical evidence like the bones recovered from the Chhatarpur jungle, solidified the case against him.
The Shraddha Walkar murder case is a tragic tale of loss, betrayal, and a family’s quest for justice. Shrijay’s resolve to pursue the case, despite his personal grief, underscores the human toll of the tragedy. As the trial nears its conclusion, with key testimonies completed and Aaftab’s testimony pending, the hope for justice remains strong. The case highlights the complexities of India’s legal system, particularly in cases reliant on circumstantial evidence, and serves as a sombre reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence. For Shrijay, the fight is not just for justice but for closure, as he seeks to perform his sister’s last rites and honour her memory.
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