New Delhi, India: The Saket Court has sought an explanation from the jail authorities regarding the security arrangements for Aftab Amin Poonawalla, the accused in the Shraddha Walkar murder case. During Friday’s hearing, the jail administration submitted a security report to the court, stating that Aftab had been placed in a separate security ward and was being monitored through CCTV cameras 24 hours a day. However, following Aftab’s statement, the court has sought a fresh status report from the jail authorities.
Aftab Raises Concerns Over Security Lapses
Appearing before the court through video conferencing, Aftab expressed concerns about his safety inside the prison. He stated that out of the five inmates he had identified as potential threats, only two had been transferred to another ward. The remaining three inmates were still housed in the same ward.
Taking note of his statement, Additional Sessions Judge Hargurvinder Singh Jaggi questioned the jail administration about why only two inmates had been transferred despite the court’s November 2 order mentioning the removal of all five inmates. The court has sought a clear explanation from the jail superintendent.
Aftab Kept in a Separate Security Ward
According to the report submitted by the Deputy Superintendent of Jail, Aftab is lodged in a separate security ward at Central Jail Number 4. In addition to regular jail staff, a personal TSP escort has also been arranged for his security.
The report stated that Aftab’s movements are monitored through CCTV cameras around the clock. The escort remains with him from the time he leaves his cell in the morning until he is locked back inside at night. The jail administration also claimed that its investigation had not confirmed any threats against him.
Allowed Outside His Cell for Only 30 Minutes in the Morning and Evening
During the hearing, Aftab informed the court that he is allowed to leave his cell for only 30 minutes in the morning and another 30 minutes in the evening.
The court sought detailed information from the jail administration regarding all aspects of his security arrangements.
The court directed the jail authorities to explain why only two of the five inmates had been transferred and submit a fresh status report. The deadline for filing the report has been set for November 17, 2026. The next hearing in the matter is also scheduled for the same date.
Arrested on November 12, 2022
The Shraddha Walkar murder case attracted nationwide attention. Aftab is accused of strangling his live-in partner, Shraddha Walkar, to death at their rented flat in Delhi’s Mehrauli area. He allegedly cut her body into 35 pieces, stored them in a refrigerator, and disposed of them at different locations.
Police arrested Aftab on November 12, 2022, in connection with the case.
