Shraddha Walkar murder: Father alleges investigative loopholes, attacks Poonawalla's parents
Vikas Walkar, the father of Shraddha Walkar—who was allegedly murdered by her live-in partner Aaftab Poonawalla in Delhi last year—demanded a fast-track trial in the case, alleging several loopholes in the investigation. He added Poonawalla's parents should be highlighted as they have been hiding somewhere. He also demanded that his daughter's remains be returned to them so that her last rites could be performed.
Why does this story matter?
In November 2022, the Delhi Police arrested Poonawalla for killing Walkar in May. According to cops, to cover up the murder, Poonawalla allegedly sawed Walkar's body into multiple pieces and disposed of them in a nearby forest area over 18-20 days after storing the parts in a fridge. Nearly a year after the murder, Walkar's remains are yet to be returned to her family.
Proceedings delayed due to loopholes in investigation: Father
While reiterating his demand for the death penalty for Poonawalla, Walkar's father said, "There are loopholes in the investigation and proceedings which delayed the murder case. I have asked my lawyer to appeal for fast-track proceedings." He also demanded Poonawalla's parents be highlighted in the case. "I think they have been hidden somewhere. Where are they? I appeal to highlight them," he told ANI.
'Appealed speedy trial to perform daughter's last rites'
Vikas stated that the family has not been able to perform Walkar's last rites, even though it has been nearly a year since her death. "I would perform the last rites after the accused is awarded the death sentence," he said. He also appealed for a speedy trial so that her daughter's body parts could be handed over for last rites.
Family counsel invoked Delhi's Nirbhaya rape and murder case
Notably, the Walkar family's counsel, advocate Seema Kushwaha, while referring to Delhi's Nirbhaya rape and murder case, said it took seven years to reach its conclusion but Walkar's case should not take years. As per ANI, an audio-video recording of Walkar's online counseling was played in the courtroom in the presence of Poonawalla, causing her father to become emotional.
Family may approach Delhi HC with demands
Kushwaha, who came from Mumbai to attend the hearing at Delhi's Saket Court, also said the case would take years to conclude in the manner it is going. "The hearing should be conducted in the time frame manner on a daily basis," she said. "I will move a petition in the Delhi High Court as discussed with the father of Walkar," Kushwaha added.
What do we know about the incident?
In May 2022, the couple got into a fight at their Delhi's Chattarpur Pahari apartment, reportedly over Walkar wanting to fetch household items from their hometown in Maharashtra's Vasai. During the heated argument, she started shouting, and in a move to restrain her, Poonawalla ended up strangling her to death. Previously, Poonawalla claimed he was under the influence of drugs when he killed Walkar.
