The Shraddha Walkar murder case, one of India’s most high-profile criminal investigations in recent years, is once again before a Delhi court as the trial continues. The case, which came to light in 2022, drew nationwide attention because of the serious allegations, the extensive police investigation, and the legal questions surrounding the prosecution’s reliance on circumstantial evidence.
With proceedings continuing before the Saket Court in New Delhi, here’s a chronological look at the major developments in the case.
Timeline of the Shraddha Walkar Case
May 2022: Shraddha Walkar Goes Missing
According to investigators, Shraddha Walkar, a 27-year-old woman from Maharashtra’s Palghar district, was allegedly killed inside the Delhi apartment she shared with her live-in partner, Aaftab Amin Poonawala, in the Chhatarpur area.
The prosecution alleges that an argument between the couple preceded the alleged murder.
Family Reports Her Missing
Months after losing contact with Shraddha, her family approached authorities and reported her missing.
Police began tracing her movements and collecting digital and forensic evidence, eventually focusing their investigation on her live-in partner.
November 2022: Arrest of Aaftab Amin Poonawala
Delhi Police arrested Poonawala after the investigation gathered evidence that, according to the prosecution, connected him to the alleged crime.
Investigators alleged that after the killing, the victim’s body was dismembered and the remains were stored in a refrigerator before being disposed of at multiple locations over several days.
These allegations form part of the prosecution’s case and remain subject to judicial determination.
Extensive Investigation
Delhi Police filed a detailed chargesheet supported by:
- Forensic examination reports
- DNA evidence
- Electronic records
- Witness statements
- Recovery memos
- Digital evidence
- Other investigative material
The prosecution argues that the collected evidence establishes a continuous chain of circumstances pointing toward the accused.
Witness Testimonies
Over the course of the trial, the court has examined numerous witnesses, including:
- Members of Shraddha Walkar’s family
- Police investigators
- Forensic experts
- Medical professionals
- Other witnesses connected to the investigation
Shraddha’s father, Vikas Walkar, and other family members also appeared before the court during earlier stages of the proceedings.
Circumstantial Evidence at the Centre
One of the defining legal aspects of the case is that it is largely based on circumstantial evidence.
Since there were no eyewitnesses to the alleged crime, prosecutors have relied on forensic findings, digital records, witness testimony, and recovered material to establish the sequence of events.
The defence has challenged several aspects of the prosecution’s evidence during the trial.
Legal experts have noted that the eventual judgment could be significant in shaping future cases that rely heavily on circumstantial evidence.
Court Orders Faster Proceedings
In 2026, the Delhi court directed that the matter be heard on a day-to-day basis to help expedite the long-running trial.
The move was viewed as an effort to ensure quicker progress in one of the country’s most closely watched criminal cases.
Recent Adjournment
A recent hearing was postponed after the accused informed the court that he was scheduled to appear for a master’s degree examination being conducted within Tihar Jail, where he is lodged as an undertrial prisoner.
The adjournment prompted public discussion, with supporters of the victim expressing disappointment over further delays, while legal observers pointed to the need to balance procedural fairness with the right to a timely trial.
Latest Court Hearing
The matter has now returned before the Saket Court, where proceedings are expected to continue with witness examination and other trial-related processes.
The court has not yet delivered its final verdict.
Why the Case Remains Significant
The Shraddha Walkar case has remained in public focus because of:
- The seriousness of the allegations.
- The extensive forensic investigation.
- The reliance on circumstantial evidence.
- Public discussions on women’s safety and criminal justice.
- Ongoing judicial proceedings in a high-profile criminal trial.
As the case progresses, the court will continue examining the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defence before reaching any conclusion.
