Shraddha Walkar's father dies of heart attack awaiting daughter's ashes
What's the story
Vikas Walkar, the father of murder victim Shraddha Walkar, died of a heart attack in Vasai, Maharashtra.
The 59-year-old was staying with his son when he died. He had reportedly been depressed and was waiting for his daughter's ashes to return.
Shraddha was brutally murdered by her live-in partner Aaftab Poonawala in Delhi's Mehrauli area on May 18, 2022.
Pending justice
Murderer awaits trial as victim's father passes away
Shraddha's live-in partner Aaftab Poonawala allegedly strangled her and chopped her body into 35 pieces.
He was arrested on November 12, 2022, after confessing to the crime during police interrogation.
The case has drawn national attention over its gruesome details.
Vikas Walkar had been actively seeking justice for his daughter and had testified in court about Poonawala's confession about buying two knives, a hammer, and a shovel to chop Shraddha's wrists.
Lasting impact
Vikas Walkar's legacy: A fight for justice and women's safety
In memory of his daughter, Vikas set up the Shraddha Walkar Charitable Trust to promote women's safety.
He had earlier sought the death penalty for Poonawala and called for an investigation into Poonawala's family members and associates.
The murder trial is still underway, with Poonawala in judicial custody.
Meanwhile, the Vasai Police have ordered a post-mortem to ascertain the exact cause of Vikas's death.