Shraddha Walkar murder: Police recover more bones at Mehrauli forest
In a significant development in the Shraddha Walkar murder case, the Delhi Police retrieved three more bones from the Mehrauli forest area, where accused Aftab Ameen Poonawala dumped her body after cutting it into 35 pieces, according to India Today. Previously, nearly 13 bone fragments were found at the site and sent for forensic testing to be identified.
Why does this story matter?
Walkar's gruesome murder shook the country as her live-in partner Poonawalla confessed to strangling her, chopping her body into 35 pieces, and disposing of it across Delhi. The couple had met years ago while working at a Mumbai call center. After a few years of their relationship, they moved to Delhi as the deceased's parents disapproved of it.
Femur bone found during wee hour forest search
According to India Today, the Delhi Police team visited the Mehrauli forest thrice on November 16 and found some small bone fragments during the initial search in the wee hours. After searching the forest area again near the 100-foot road, the police found a big bone that appeared to be like a femur (thigh bone)—the longest bone of the body.
Recovered bones have cut marks, says police
During the third round, the police team found bones like radius-ulna (bone between the wrist and elbow), patella (knee cap), and a femur in the forest area near Chhatarpur Enclave and Metro Pillar. Police said the recovered bones have cut marks. They said they were cut with a big sharp weapon. However, police said the picture will be clear only after the forensic report.
First recovery of bones from the forest
On November 16, police said that they had found nearly 13 bones—including a pelvic bone—from the Mehrauli forest area. The found bones were taken to a forensic lab to determine if they belonged to Walkar or an animal. Later, the police collected DNA samples from the victim's father, Vikas Walkar, in order to match the dumped body parts and blood sample.
Police take testimonies from victim's friends
Delhi court allows narco test on Poonawalla
Poonawalla is currently in police custody, and they are gathering crucial evidence, including identifying body parts, the crime weapon, their clothes from the day of the murder, and Walkar's phone. Meanwhile, the Delhi court has granted permission to police to conduct narco-analysis, a chemical-based lie-detection test that could lead to material evidence and corroborate his alleged confession.
