The security for Aftab Poonawala, accused of the gruesome murder of his live-in partner Shraddha Walkar, has been significantly increased in Tihar jail following reports of a death threat from gangsters associated with notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.
A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the threat to Poonawala came from individuals linked to the murder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddiqui in October 2023. According to the officer, shooters involved in Siddiqui’s murder were allegedly planning to target Poonawala while he is in Tihar jail.
“We received updates from various security agencies indicating that the same shooters who were behind the murder of Baba Siddiqui had planned an attack on Poonawala. Although we are unsure about the authenticity of the threat, we have shared this information with the authorities at Tihar jail,” the officer said.
Poonawala, 28, has been in Tihar jail since his arrest in November 2022 for allegedly murdering his girlfriend, Shraddha Walkar, and dismembering her body into more than 30 pieces. His case has drawn significant media attention due to the horrific nature of the crime.
In response to the threat, Tihar jail authorities have taken precautionary measures to ensure Poonawala’s safety. A prison officer confirmed that additional security measures had been put in place. “Two night guards have been assigned to monitor him closely in jail number four, where he is currently lodged. We are also taking steps to prevent any potential gang-related violence in the prison,” the officer said.
The officer further mentioned that no formal intimation about the threat had been officially received but emphasized that the decision to heighten security was a precautionary one.
While the Delhi Prisons department has refrained from issuing an official statement on the matter, sources have confirmed that necessary arrangements are being made for the safety of all inmates, including Poonawala.
This development comes amid growing concerns over the reach of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which has previously been linked to high-profile threats against Bollywood celebrities, including Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Mithun Chakraborty. Bishnoi, currently incarcerated in Sabarmati jail, is also believed to be behind the orchestrated murder of Baba Siddiqui.
As the investigation into the threat continues, authorities remain on high alert, working to ensure the safety of all those involved in high-profile cases like Poonawala’s.
Sources By Agencies