Delhi Court to Hear Plea for Release of Flat in Shraddha Walkar Murder Case

A property dispute has unfolded in the shadows of one of Delhi’s most disturbing murder investigations. The flat where 27-year-old Shraddha Walkar was allegedly murdered and dismembered by her live-in partner, Aftab Poonawalla, is now at the centre of a fresh courtroom battle—this time between the police and the landlord.

The landlord has approached the Saket court, urging the release of his property from police custody. He argues that with the trial in its final stages and all key evidence collected, continued possession by the Delhi Police is not only unjustified but is also causing him significant financial and logistical hardship.

The Landlord’s Argument: “I Need My Home Back”

The application, filed earlier this month, appeals for the release of the first-floor flat located in Chhattarpur Pahadi, Mehrauli. The landlord, whose identity remains undisclosed in public records, has stated that the property has been lying vacant and locked since the gruesome incident in May 2022.

According to his petition, the chargesheet has already been submitted, and most of the evidence, including detailed photographs and records of the flat’s interiors, have been included in the case file. He also highlighted the deteriorating condition of the flat and the loss of potential rental income he has endured for more than a year.

The landlord emphasized that the flat was rented out legally on May 16, 2022, just two days before the incident occurred. He argued that it is no longer reasonable for the police to keep the property locked and unavailable for repair, especially since it is not being used actively during day-to-day court proceedings.

Key points from the landlord’s plea:

• The flat has been unoccupied and locked since May 2022.

• All material evidence and photographs have already been submitted in court.

• The landlord is suffering financial loss from rental income.

• The flat requires urgent repair and maintenance.

• The case has progressed significantly, and the trial is near completion.

Delhi Police Response: “Crime Scene Still Relevant”

The Delhi Police has pushed back against the request, stating that the trial is still underway and several prosecution witnesses are being re-examined. They argue that releasing the property at this stage may hinder the trial, especially if the judge or court requires a physical inspection of the scene.

Citing Section 310 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), the police mentioned that a judge or magistrate has the authority to conduct an on-site visit of a place where the alleged offence took place. Such an inspection might still be necessary to better interpret the evidence, especially considering the complexity and brutality of the crime.

Section 310 CrPC: What Does It Say?

The police asserted that since the stage of recording evidence is ongoing, it would not be prudent to hand over the flat at this point.

A Gruesome Crime That Shocked the Nation

The murder of Shraddha Walkar drew national outrage and widespread media attention. On May 18, 2022, Aftab Poonawalla, allegedly killed his partner following a dispute. According to police, he then chopped her body into several parts and stored them in a 300-litre fridge for days before disposing of the remains piece by piece over the next 18 days in Chhattarpur forest.

The flat where the murder took place quickly became a crucial element of the investigation, containing key forensic evidence that formed the backbone of the prosecution’s case. Aftab was eventually arrested on November 12, 2022, when inconsistencies in his statements led to suspicion.

Since the day of his arrest, the Chhattarpur flat has remained locked, and police have maintained possession of it as a crime scene and case property.

Current Stage of the Trial

The case is presently at a critical juncture. According to Special Public Prosecutors Amit Prasad and Madhukar Pandey, several prosecution witnesses are being re-examined. The prosecution emphasized that any premature handover of the crime scene might jeopardize ongoing legal procedures.

The next hearing, scheduled for April 17, will focus on the landlord’s plea for the release of his property. The court will consider both the rights of the landlord and the procedural necessities of the criminal trial before delivering its verdict.

Timeline of Key Events

FAQs

Q1. Why hasn’t the flat been released to the landlord yet?

The flat remains under police control because it is considered an essential crime scene. The Delhi Police believes a physical inspection of the flat by the court may still be required under CrPC Section 310 before the trial concludes.

Q2. What is the landlord’s main concern?

The landlord is primarily concerned about the financial losses from not being able to rent the flat, as well as the deteriorating condition of the property which has been unoccupied and locked since 2022.

Q3. Can the court still visit the crime scene after such a long time?

Yes. Under Section 310 of CrPC, the court can conduct an inspection of the crime scene at any point during the trial if deemed necessary to clarify evidence or proceedings.

Q4. When will the court decide whether the flat can be released?

The court has scheduled the hearing of the landlord’s application on April 17, 2025. A decision is likely to follow after the arguments from both sides are considered.

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