Shubham Lonkar, a key suspect in the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique and an alleged member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, reportedly plotted to kill Aftab Poonawala, the main accused in the brutal Shraddha Walkar murder case.
In 2022, Lonkar is said to have meticulously planned for a month to target Aftab during his appearances at Delhi’s Saket Court. Despite continuous reconnaissance by Lawrence Bishnoi’s associates, the plan was thwarted due to robust security measures by the Delhi Police.
According to sources, Lonkar was summoned from Mumbai to Delhi for the operation. He, along with two shooters, monitored the Saket area for weeks, waiting for an opportune moment during Aftab’s court appearances.
However, the heightened vigilance around the court made the execution of the plan impossible.
Aftab Poonawala, currently held in Tihar Jail No. 4, has reportedly become a marked target. Following media reports about the alleged threats, the Tihar Jail administration has tightened security around him.
In a chilling statement to the police, Shiv Kumar Gautam, another accused in Baba Siddique’s murder, reportedly confessed to plotting Aftab’s assassination. Sources claim the Lawrence Bishnoi gang is now conspiring to eliminate Aftab even within the prison premises. Jail authorities are on high alert, ensuring his safety while probing the threat further.
Aftab’s case has garnered national attention. He stands accused of murdering Shraddha Walkar on May 18, 2022, in Delhi’s Mehrauli area. He allegedly dismembered her body and disposed of the parts in the Chhatarpur Pahadi forest. Aftab was arrested in November 2022, and the trial has been ongoing since.
On July 23, 2024, the Saket District Court dismissed Aftab’s plea seeking a reduced trial schedule, stating it was an attempt to delay proceedings. The court emphasized the need for consecutive hearings, noting that only 134 of the 212 prosecution witnesses had been examined since June 2023. It also reiterated the urgency of concluding the trial efficiently.
Charges against Aftab include Sections 302 (murder) and 201 (destruction of evidence) of the Indian Penal Code. He has pleaded not guilty, claiming trial.
This high-profile case continues to attract scrutiny, with both prison and judicial authorities working to maintain order and ensure justice is served.
