In a recent development in the shocking murder case, a court in Saket framed charges of murder and disappearance of evidence against Aaftab Amin Poonawala. Poonawala is accused of strangling his live-in partner, Shraddha Walkar, to death and then dismembering her body. The additional sessions judge, Manisha Khurana Kakkar, stated that there is prima facie evidence to proceed with charges under sections 302 (murder) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of an offense) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against the accused.
Poonawala, however, vehemently denied the charges and demanded a trial to prove his innocence. The court has set the matter for further proceedings on June 1, where the trial is expected to begin. This case has garnered significant attention due to its gruesome nature and the heinous acts allegedly committed by the accused.
The Delhi Police, after thorough investigation, had filed a comprehensive 6,629-page chargesheet on January 24. The chargesheet provided detailed information regarding the events leading up to the murder and the subsequent disposal of the victim’s body. The police had meticulously gathered evidence and pieced together the sequence of events to build a strong case against Poonawala.
According to the police investigation, Poonawala allegedly strangled Shraddha Walkar on May 18 the previous year at their residence in South Delhi’s Mehrauli. After committing the heinous act, he proceeded to dismember her body and stored the parts in a refrigerator for nearly three weeks. This macabre act is said to have taken place in an attempt to evade detection and prevent the identification of the victim.
In a bid to further conceal the crime, Poonawala scattered the dismembered body parts at various locations across the national capital, hoping to avoid getting caught. However, the police were able to connect the dots and trace the pieces back to the gruesome crime committed by the accused.
The court’s decision to frame charges against Poonawala signifies the belief that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the trial. The upcoming proceedings will provide an opportunity for both the prosecution and the defense to present their cases and arguments before the court. The trial will aim to establish the guilt or innocence of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case has left the public in shock and has reignited discussions about the safety of individuals in live-in relationships. It highlights the importance of ensuring the well-being and protection of all individuals involved in such arrangements. The court proceedings and subsequent trial will be closely watched by the public, seeking justice for the victim and a fair determination of the accused’s guilt or innocence.
As the trial commences on June 1, all eyes will be on the court to see how the case unfolds. The outcome of this trial will have far-reaching implications not only for the accused and the victim’s family but also for the larger conversation surrounding crimes against women and the pursuit of justice in such cases.