New Delhi [India], November 16 (HBTV): Shubham Lonkar, the mastermind and wanted accused in Nationalist Congress Party leader Baba Siddique's murder, had allegedly planned the murder of Aftab Poonawala, the accused arrested in the gruesome Shraddha Walker murder case, sources said.

According to sources, Lonkar, allegedly associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, spent a month in 2022 planning to kill Poonawala in Delhi's Saket Court.

Aftab, who is currently lodged in Tihar Jail No. 4, has reportedly become a target following threats against him.

Lawrence's henchmen conducted continuous reconnaissance for a month to eliminate Aftab, but the plan failed due to the heavy security arrangements of the Delhi Police.

Sources mentioned that Shubham Lonkar was called from Mumbai to Delhi to carry out the assassination and did recce in the Saket area for a month. Lonkar, accompanied by two shooters, was waiting for an opportunity during Aftab's appearances in court since his arrest in 2022.

Meanwhile, the Tihar Jail administration on Friday took immediate cognizance of media reports and increased security around Poonawala.

Shiv Kumar Gautam, who was arrested in connection with the Baba Siddiqui murder case, allegedly made a chilling statement to the police, expressing his intention to kill Aftab Poonawala. Additionally, sources confirm that Aftab is now a target of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which is said to be plotting his murder within the prison.

The jail authorities are said to be on high alert, ensuring that Aftab's safety is prioritized while they investigate the potential threat.

Shraddha Walkar was allegedly murdered by Aftab in the Mehrauli area on May 18, 2022. Her body parts were thrown into the jungle of the Chhatarpur Pahadi area. He was arrested in November 2022.

Meanwhile, on July 23, the Saket District Court rejected Shraddha Walkar's murder case and Aftab Amin Poonawala's plea seeking the trial to be held only twice a month to give suitable time for his counsel to prepare his defense. The court said that the accused was trying to deliberately delay the trial.

The court also noted that only 134 out of 212 prosecution witnesses had been examined since June 2023. Therefore, consecutive dates were required to conclude the trial expeditiously.

The court framed charges under Sections 302 and 201 IPC for murder and disappearance of evidence against Aftab, who pleaded not guilty and claimed trial.   

(ANI)