RelationWatch
OSINT Case File

Aftab Poonawala Murder Case: Death of Shraddha Walkar in Mehrauli, Delhi, India

Case Summary

Shraddha Walkar was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend Aftab, who dismembered her body and stored the pieces in a refrigerator. The trial began in January 2023 and is ongoing with over 200 witnesses. Shraddha's father, Vikas Walkar, who was actively seeking justice, died of a heart attack before the verdict was delivered. The case involves a live-in relationship opposed by Shraddha's father, prior domestic conflict, and delayed judicial proceedings. The body parts remain in judicial custody, preventing the family from performing last rites. The trial is expected to conclude soon, but the family's future involvement is uncertain.

Verified True
Confidence 4
Incident Date Unknown
Incident Type Domestic Violence Homicide

Basic Information

Country: India

State/Province: Maharashtra, India

City/Region: Mumbai

Incident Type: Domestic Violence Homicide

Relationship Status: Live-in relationship

Relationship Duration:

Incident Date: None

Relationship Journey

Relationship Origins:

  • Met on social media

Relationship Stages:

  • Living Together without Marriage

Analysis

Contributing Factors:

  • Cheating / Infidelity
  • Domestic Conflict
  • Divorce / Separation

Red Flags:

  • Escalation Pattern / Violence
  • Threats
  • Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
  • Mental Health Deterioration / Hopelessness

Motives:

  • Jealousy
  • Control/domination
  • Suspicion of infidelity

Relationship Outcomes:

  • Homicide during marriage
  • Arrest made
  • Investigation still ongoing
  • Deadbody recovery

People Link Graph

Relationship Journey Graph

1

Origin

  • Met on social media

How the relationship or connection began.

2

Status

  • Live-in relationship
3

Stages

  • Living Together without Marriage

Important relationship phases recorded for this case.

4

Warning Signals

  • Escalation Pattern / Violence
  • Threats
  • Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
  • Mental Health Deterioration / Hopelessness

Reported red flags or early concern points.

5

Pressure Points

  • Cheating / Infidelity
  • Domestic Conflict
  • Divorce / Separation
  • Jealousy
  • Control/domination
  • Suspicion of infidelity

Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.

6

Outcome

  • Homicide during marriage
  • Arrest made
  • Investigation still ongoing
  • Deadbody recovery

Recorded relationship or case outcome.

AI Intelligence Assessment

Relationship Pattern

Domestic Violence

Pattern Analysis

The case involves a live-in relationship marked by domestic violence, jealousy, and infidelity suspicions. The victim's family opposed the relationship, leading to estrangement. The offender allegedly murdered and dismembered the victim, with the case delayed by procedural issues and defense tactics, prolonging the family's suffering.

Investigative Notes

The trial began in January 2023 with 212 witnesses, 165 completed. The accused confessed in police presence with family members present. Body parts are judicial evidence, delaying last rites. Defense counsel's tactics and witness availability caused trial delays. The father's death adds uncertainty to family involvement in ongoing proceedings.

Investigation Confusion

No confusion about suspect identity; the accused confessed. Delays caused by defense petitions and witness cross-examination scheduling. No ambiguity about homicide nature.

Case Reconstruction / Puzzle Pieces

Shraddha Walkar entered a live-in relationship with Aftab, whom she met via Bumble. The relationship was opposed by her father, leading to estrangement. Prior domestic violence and threats were reported but not effectively acted upon. In 2022, Aftab allegedly murdered and dismembered Shraddha, hiding body parts in a refrigerator and disposing of them in Mehrauli forests. DNA evidence matched the remains to Shraddha. The trial started in January 2023, with extensive witness testimony and ongoing legal proceedings. The father actively pursued justice until his death in 2025.

Risk Assessment

High risk due to ongoing domestic violence, escalating conflicts, and lack of timely judicial resolution. The offender demonstrated extreme violence and control, and the victim lacked effective protection.

Key Takeaways

Live-in relationships with family opposition can escalate to fatal domestic violence. Early domestic violence complaints require serious attention to prevent escalation. Delays in judicial processes prolong victim family trauma. The case highlights the need for speedy trials and support for victims in abusive relationships.

AI Case Q&A

What early signals mattered most?

Domestic violence allegations and prior threats reported by the victim a year before the murder were critical early signals.

Which clues helped connect the case?

Confession by the accused, DNA matching of body parts, blood stains in the victim's home, and witness testimonies including family members were key clues.

Which evidence types appeared strongest?

DNA evidence, police investigation reports, accused's confession, and witness statements including family members' testimonies were strongest evidence types.

Witness / Eyewitness Statements

Witnesses included family members, police, and forensic experts. The victim's father and brother were present during evidence collection and confession. Statements corroborated the accused's confession and forensic findings.

How did follow-up reports change the understanding?

Follow-up reports revealed the father's death before verdict and ongoing trial delays. No new suspects or major changes in case facts reported.

What remained unclear?

Exact timeline for verdict remains unclear. Future family involvement in the case after father's death is uncertain.

← Back to Home