The Shraddha Walkar murder case is one of the most shocking criminal cases in recent Indian history. The case came to light in November 2022, although the alleged murder had taken place nearly six months earlier in May 2022. It involved Shraddha Walkar, a 27-year-old call centre employee, who was allegedly murdered by her live-in partner, Aaftab Amin Poonawala, in their rented apartment in Delhi. The case drew nationwide attention because of the brutality of the alleged crime, the investigation that followed, and the widespread discussions it sparked about domestic violence and the safety of women in abusive relationships.
Shraddha and Aaftab met while working at a call centre in Mumbai and began a relationship after connecting through a dating app. Despite objections from Shraddha's family, the couple chose to live together. They initially lived in Maharashtra before moving to Delhi in 2022, where they rented an apartment in the Chhatarpur area. According to friends and family members, their relationship had become increasingly strained, with frequent arguments and allegations of physical abuse. Some of Shraddha's friends later told investigators that she had confided in them about being assaulted and had considered ending the relationship.
According to the Delhi Police chargesheet, on May 18, 2022, an argument allegedly broke out between the couple over Shraddha's wish to get married. Investigators allege that during the altercation, Aaftab strangled her to death inside their apartment. Police further alleged that he then purchased cutting tools and a large refrigerator, dismembered her body, and stored the remains in the refrigerator before disposing of them over several days in different locations around Delhi in an attempt to conceal the crime. The prosecution has also alleged that he cleaned the apartment thoroughly and took steps to eliminate evidence. These allegations form part of the prosecution's case and remain subject to the outcome of the trial.
The crime remained undiscovered for several months because Shraddha's family believed she was living elsewhere and had limited contact with her. Concern grew when her friends were unable to reach her for an extended period. Eventually, her father filed a missing person's complaint with the Maharashtra Police, which led investigators to Delhi. During questioning, police found inconsistencies in Aaftab's statements. Digital evidence, mobile phone records, witness accounts, forensic findings, and the recovery of human remains from forested areas formed key parts of the investigation. DNA testing later helped investigators identify some of the recovered remains as belonging to Shraddha.
In November 2022, Aaftab Poonawala was arrested and later charged with murder and destruction of evidence. The Delhi Police filed a detailed chargesheet supported by forensic and circumstantial evidence. Since then, numerous witnesses, including Shraddha's family members, friends, forensic experts, and investigating officers, have testified before the court. The trial has continued over several years, with the Delhi court scheduling day-to-day hearings in 2026 to expedite the proceedings. As of now, no final verdict has been delivered, and Aaftab continues to face trial. Under Indian law, he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by the court.
The Shraddha Walkar case had a profound impact across India. It reignited conversations about domestic abuse, recognizing warning signs in relationships, and the importance of reporting violence early. The case also highlighted the crucial role of forensic science, digital evidence, and coordinated police investigation in uncovering complex crimes. Regardless of the eventual outcome of the trial, the case remains a significant reminder of the devastating consequences of intimate partner violence and the need for greater awareness and support for victims of abuse.
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