COURT EXTENDS POONAWALA’S CUSTODY BY 4 DAYS, ALLOWS POLYGRAPH TEST

NEW DELHI: A court in New Delhi on Tuesday extended the police custody of Aaftab Poonawala, who allegedly strangled his live-in partner and cut her body into 35 pieces before disposing of it, by four days, while another judge allowed the police to go ahead with a polygraph test to unravel the murder.

“In view of the reasons stated by investigating officer, it is the considered opinion of this court that further remand of the accused be authorised in police custody for the purpose of ensuring conclusion of investigation in the matter. Accordingly, remand of accused is hereby authorized in police custody for further period of four days till November 26,” Metropolitan magistrate Aviral Shukla said.

The judge said the investigating officer has informed the court, citing information received from sources, that some religious organisations or miscreants might attack the accused and that he be produced at the lockup of Saket district court.

“Upon the request so received from the IO and in order to ensure the safe production of accused, the present proceedings have been undertaken at the lockup, Saket Courts Complex at 9.30 am today,” the judge said.

The judge also noted he was satisfied with the legal representation being provided to Poonawala by legal aid counsel Abinash Kumar.