Shraddha Walkar Case: How Aftab Poonawala's Exams, Medical Visits And Lengthy Hearings Are Slowing Trial

Published 14 July 2026 · local

Shraddha Walkar Case: How Aftab Poonawala's Exams, Medical Visits And Lengthy Hearings Are Slowing Trial Published By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 12:11 IST Shraddha

Shraddha Walkar Case: How Aftab Poonawala's Exams, Medical Visits And Lengthy Hearings Are Slowing Trial Published By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 12:11 IST Shraddha Walkar Case: The latest controversy emerged after a Delhi court allowed Aftab Poonawala to skip a scheduled hearing on July 20. Shraddha Walkar was allegedly strangled by Aftab Poonawala in 2022 before her body was dismembered and the remains disposed of across different parts of Delhi. Nearly four years after the murder of Shraddha Walkar shocked the nation, the trial against her live-in partner Aftab Poonawala continues to move slowly, with her family questioning repeated delays and accommodations granted to the accused while they await justice. Shraddha Walkar was allegedly strangled by Aftab Poonawala in 2022 before her body was dismembered and the remains disposed of across different parts of Delhi. More than three years after the filing of the case and nearly four years after the alleged crime, the trial remains far from completion.

Court Allows Aftab Poonawala To Skip Hearing For Exam The latest controversy emerged after a Delhi court allowed Aftab Poonawala to skip a scheduled hearing on July 20 so he could appear for his MA Sociology examination from Tihar Jail. Court records indicated that this is not the first time hearings have been adjusted to accommodate Poonawala’s personal requirements. About 10 months ago, proceedings were reportedly postponed after he sought time for a dental appointment. On another occasion, the court accommodated a request for psychiatric consultation, NDTV reported. More Than 215 Hearings, Evidence Still Being Recorded The First Information Report (FIR) in the case was registered on November 10, 2022, while charges were framed in May 2023. Since then, the court has conducted more than 215 hearings. However, the prosecution is still in the process of presenting evidence. The investigation generated a chargesheet exceeding 13,000 pages, adding to the complexity of the proceedings.

Shraddha Walkar’s Family Says Justice Remains Elusive For Shraddha Walkar’s family, the prolonged proceedings have come at a heavy emotional cost. Her father, Vikas Walkar, died in February 2025 without seeing the conclusion of the trial or justice for his daughter. Her grandmother also passed away while the case remained pending. The family has not yet been able to perform Shraddha’s last rites because remains recovered during the investigation continue to be preserved as evidence. One of Shraddha’s closest surviving relatives, her aunt Rajal Naik, continues to travel from Mumbai to Delhi to attend court hearings. Speaking about the delays, Rajal Naik questioned why repeated accommodations were being made for the accused. “Why is he being given concessions? We are awaiting justice. Shraddha’s father died waiting for justice for his daughter. It’s been over four years," she said. She also questioned why hearings were being postponed to accommodate Aftab Poonawala’s examinations and other requests.