What is the Shraddha Walkar murder case, and why has accused Aaftab Poonawala sought protection in Tihar Jail?
Aaftab Amin Poonawala, the accused in the 2022 murder of his live-in partner Shraddha Walkar, has approached a Delhi court alleging repeated death threats from fellow inmates at Tihar Jail.
The Saket District Court has directed jail authorities to take immediate steps to ensure his safety and security. It has also asked the concerned jail superintendent to submit a status report and said Poonawala could be moved to a separate ward or cell, if necessary.
During Monday's hearing, Poonawala told the court that he was currently lodged in Jail No. 4A, a special cell in Tihar Jail that also serves as a punishment ward. He alleged that several inmates had threatened to kill him and cause him bodily harm over the past 10 days.
According to his submission, the inmates had threatened to slash his face with improvised weapons. He also provided the court with the names of five inmates allegedly involved in the threats. The court redacted their identities from the order, citing concerns for his safety.
The court observed that protecting an undertrial prisoner was a fundamental responsibility of the State and an essential aspect of the right to a fair trial.
"Needless to remind the Jail Superintendent and all the concerned authorities that the safety of an undertrial prisoner is a top priority and one of the hallmark principles of the criminal justice system," the court said in its November 2 order.
What is the Shraddha Walkar murder case?
The case dates back to May 2022, when Shraddha Walkar, 27, was allegedly murdered by her live-in partner Aaftab Poonawala at their rented accommodation in Mehrauli, south Delhi.
According to the prosecution, Poonawala strangled Walkar and subsequently dismembered her body into several pieces. He allegedly stored the remains in a refrigerator before disposing of them at different locations in the city over several days to evade detection.
The case came to light in November 2022, months after the alleged murder, following a complaint by Walkar's father after he was unable to contact her.
The investigation and the recovery of human remains from different locations brought widespread attention to the case. Poonawala was arrested in November 2022 and charged with murder and destruction of evidence.
What is the current status of the trial?
The trial against Poonawala is under way at the Saket District Court in Delhi. Additional Sessions Judge Hargurvarinder Singh Jaggi is recording prosecution evidence on a day-to-day basis.
The latest court order concerns Poonawala's allegations about threats from fellow inmates and is separate from the proceedings in the murder trial.
The court has directed the concerned jail superintendent to submit a status report at the earliest and ensure compliance with its instructions.