Welted Marigold : Dark and Mysterious Stories from South Asia and Beyond - True Crime

Ambica Uppal
  • 0.0 (0)
  • TRUE CRIME

Join us on Welted Marigold where every episode unravels a captivating story filled with unexpected twists and gripping turns. Dive into the world of true crime, extraordinary incidents, and the remarkable lives of people who have faced the unthinkable. From unsolved mysteries that haunt the shadows of our society to awe-inspiring accounts of resilience in the face of adversity, we bring you tales that challenge perceptions and ignite curiosity. Each story offers a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of the human experience, wrapped in suspense, or in awe that keeps you on the edge of your seat.Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast or a lover of dark, mysterious narratives, our podcast delivers thought-provoking discussions, rich storytelling, and insights that make you question everything you thought you knew. Tune in, and embark on a journey through the dark and mysterious.Subscribe now and become part of our thriving community of listeners.

  1. Who killed Jessica ?

    JAN 29

    Who killed Jessica ?

    Send us a text In 1999, a young model was shot dead in a crowded South Delhi bar for refusing a drink to the son of a powerful politician. Despite dozens of elite eyewitnesses, the verdict years later was shocking: "No One Killed Jessica." In this episode of Welted Marigold, we deconstruct the Jessica Lal murder case, a landmark moment in Indian legal history. We explore how Manu Sharma initially walked free, the "hostile witnesses" who changed their stories, and the unprecedented media trial and public outcry that eventually forced the Supreme Court to intervene. Was justice truly served, or did power almost win?  * Key Topics: The Tamarind Court shooting, Shyan Munshi’s testimony, and the "Justice for Jessica" candlelit vigils.  * Keywords: Jessica Lal Case, Manu Sharma, True Crime India, Indian Judicial System, Tamarind Court. Support the show Thanks for tuning into to Welted Marigold! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a rating and review. It really helps us out! Do Follow us on YouTube!

    23 min
  2. The Silenced Whistleblower: The Mysterious Death of Suchir Balaji Episode 29

    JAN 22

    The Silenced Whistleblower: The Mysterious Death of Suchir Balaji Episode 29

    Send us a text In November 2024, the tech world was shaken by the sudden death of Suchir Balaji, a brilliant 26-year-old researcher who was instrumental in the creation of ChatGPT. Just one month prior, Balaji had stepped into the spotlight as a high-profile OpenAI whistleblower, alleging that the company’s data practices violated U.S. copyright law and harmed society. While authorities in San Francisco ruled his death a suicide, his family and a growing community of skeptics point to a series of "mysterious circumstances" and a lack of transparency. Was this a tragic end to a high-pressure career, or is there a darker story behind the silencing of a key witness in the New York Times vs. OpenAI lawsuit? In this episode, we dive deep into:  * The Whistleblower's Warning: Why Suchir Balaji believed AI was becoming "more harm than benefit" and his specific allegations regarding copyright infringement.  * The Timeline: From his resignation in August to the suspicious activity reported on his devices just days after his passing.  * The Family’s Fight: We examine the claims made by Balaji’s parents regarding the autopsy and their push for an FBI investigation.  * The Tech Industry's Dark Side: The immense pressure on AI researchers and the ethics of the "Silicon Valley gold rush." Support the show Thanks for tuning into to Welted Marigold! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a rating and review. It really helps us out! Do Follow us on YouTube!

    16 min
  3. The Girl Who Drank Bleach for Freedom: The Murder of Shafilea Ahmed | Welted Marigold Episode 28

    JAN 8

    The Girl Who Drank Bleach for Freedom: The Murder of Shafilea Ahmed | Welted Marigold Episode 28

    Send us a text “Imagine your entire life is a battlefield—not between countries, but inside your own home." Welcome to Welted Marigold, where we unravel dark and mysterious stories from South Asia and beyond. Tonight, your storyteller Ambaka brings you the tragic, pivotal story of Shafilea Ahmed—a girl who dreamed of freedom but was betrayed by the very people meant to protect her. Shafilea Ahmed was a bright, 17-year-old A-level student in Warrington, UK, who wanted nothing more than to become a solicitor and live an independent life. But her aspirations were seen as a "shame" to her parents, Iftikhar and Farzana Ahmed, who enforced a rigid, cultural prison within their semi-detached home. In this deep-dive documentary, we explore the harrowing details of the case:  * The Collision of Cultures: How a father with a Western history and a mother with a rural Pakistani upbringing created a toxic household environment.  * The Bleach Incident: The truth behind Shafilea’s desperate "cry for help" in Pakistan that her parents tried to dismiss as an accident.  * September 11, 2003: A breakdown of the final confrontation in the family living room over a choice of clothing.  * The Ultimate Betrayal: The chilling command "Khatam Karu" (Finish it) and the plastic bag that ended a young life.  * Breaking the Silence: How sister Alesha Ahmed finally found the courage to expose the 9-year cover-up and bring her parents to justice. [WHY THIS CASE MATTERS] The murder of Shafilea Ahmed remains a landmark case in British true crime. It forced a national conversation on honor-based violence and the "wall of silence" that can protect abusers. This episode is a tribute to Shafilea’s memory and a reminder that the fight for freedom is often fought behind closed doors. Chapters :  0:00 - Introduction to Welted Marigold 0:41 - Meet Shafilea: The Dreamer 1:03 - The Enforcers: Iftikhar & Farzana Ahmed 2:12 - "I Feel Trapped": The Cultural Prison 3:07 - The Arranged Marriage & The Bleach Incident 4:07 - September 11, 2003: The Fatal Night 4:41 - "Khatam Karu": The Witness Testimony 5:12 - The 10-Year Lie & Discovery at River Kent 5:42 - Alesha Ahmed Breaks the Silence 6:07 - Justice Served: Life Sentences 6:31 - Shafilea’s Legacy and Final Thoughts [CALL TO ACTION] If you appreciate deep, respectful storytelling on complex cases, please Subscribe to Welted Marigold podcast and hit the Bell Icon. 💬 Join the Discussion: Shafilea’s story is a reminder of the importance of looking past "normality" to find the truth. What part of this case shocked you the most? Let us know in the comments. [RESOURCES] If you are affected by any of the issues in this video, please contact:  * Karma Nirvana (UK): 0800 5999 247  * National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 #WeltedMarigold #ShafileaAhmed #TrueCrime #HonorKilling #Warrington #Documentary #SouthAsianHistory #JusticeForShafilea #AleshaAhmed #TrueCrimeCommunity Support the show Thanks for tuning into to Welted Marigold! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a rating and review. It really helps us out! Do Follow us on YouTube!

    7 min
  4. The Locked Room Mystery: What Really Happened to Snehal Gaware? | Welted Marigold Episode 27

    12/29/2025

    The Locked Room Mystery: What Really Happened to Snehal Gaware? | Welted Marigold Episode 27

    Send us a text In the This episode of Welted Marigold, we journey to Mumbai, India, to uncover one of the most chilling and baffling cold cases in recent history. This is the story of Snehal Gaware, a 21-year-old engineering student whose life was cut short in a crime so intimate and terrifying that it left an entire nation in shock. Imagine the horror of searching for your missing daughter for 24 hours, only to realize you had been sleeping just inches away from her body the entire time. Snehal didn't disappear on the streets of Mumbai; she vanished from inside her own home, in a locked room, only to be discovered inside the storage drawer of her own bed—the infamous "Bed Box." Join your storyteller, Ambica, as we reconstruct the tragic events of July 20, 2007. We dive deep into the investigation of the Ninad Society in Dombivli, the forensic mysteries of the crime scene, and the primary suspect, Hiten Rathod, whose move to the United States sparked a multi-year legal battle. This isn't just a story about a crime; it’s a look at the systemic failures of justice, the cultural dynamics of "Romeo and the Devil," and a family’s 18-year search for the truth. The case may be legally closed, but the mystery remains wide open. In this video, we explore: • The life and ambitions of Snehal Gaware at Sardar Patel College. • A minute-by-minute breakdown of the day Snehal went missing. • The "Bed Box" discovery: Why forensic evidence failed to provide a "smoking gun." • The suspicious role of the missing mobile phone. • The extradition and trial of Hiten Rathod. • Why the Bombay High Court ultimately dropped the charges. Connect with Welted Marigold: ✨ Subscribe to join us as we share dark and mysterious stories from South Asia and beyond. 🎙️ Listen & Follow: If you're on a podcast platform, don't forget to follow and share this episode. 💬 The Conversation: How does a killer vanish from a locked house? Do you believe justice was served, or is a murderer still walking free? Let us know your theories in the comments. #SnehalGaware #TrueCrimeIndia #WeltedMarigold #UnsolvedMysteries #MumbaiTrueCrime #BedBoxMurder #IndianColdCases #SouthAsianStories #JusticeForSnehal #MysteryStorytelling Video Chapters:  00:00 - The Nightmare Under the Bed 00:52 - Welcome to Welted Marigold: The Snehal Gaware Case 01:30 - Meet Snehal: A Brilliant Mind and a Fragile Recovery 02:15 - July 20, 2007: The Day the Silence Began 03:10 - A Night of False Hope: The Search for the Missing Student 04:05 - The Discovery: Inside the Bed Box 05:00 - Forensic Anomalies: The Ties that Bind 05:45 - The Only Clue: The Mystery of the Stolen Phone 06:30 - Enter Hiten Rathod: A Boyfriend Under Suspicion 07:20 - The American Departure and the 3-Year Wait 08:00 - Extradition: Bringing the Suspect Back to Mumbai 08:45 - The Trial: Circumstantial Evidence vs. The Law Support the show Thanks for tuning into to Welted Marigold! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a rating and review. It really helps us out! Do Follow us on YouTube!

    9 min
  5. The Murder that ruined Indias first superstar | True Crime India

    12/18/2025

    The Murder that ruined Indias first superstar | True Crime India

    Send us a text In the world of South Asian true crime, few stories rival the 1944 murder of C.N. Lakshmikanthan—a case that didn’t just shock the public, but brought the glittering world of the Madras film industry to its knees. This episode is a deep dive into the scandal that ruined superstars, exposed a blackmail empire, and changed Indian cinema history forever. What happens when the most powerful stars of the silver screen are accused of a cold-blooded killing? In November 1944, a notorious gossip columnist named C.N. Lakshmikanthan was stabbed in broad daylight while riding a hand-drawn rickshaw through the streets of Vepery, Madras. By the next morning, he was dead. Lakshmikanthan wasn't just any journalist; he was the editor of Cinema Thoothu and Hindu Nesan, "yellow journals" dedicated to exposing the scandalous private lives of the elite. His "poison pen" had made him many enemies, but the investigation took a turn no one expected: the arrest of M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar (MKT)—the first true superstar of Tamil cinema—and the legendary comedian N.S. Krishnan (NSK). In this episode, we explore:  * The Blackmail Empire: How Lakshmikanthan used his magazines to extort money from actors and politicians.  * The Day of the Attack: A minute-by-minute reconstruction of the stabbing on General Collins Road.  * A Trial Like No Other: The dramatic legal battle involving top barristers and a conviction that sent shockwaves across British India.  * The Aftermath: How 30 months in jail destroyed the career of a man whose films once ran for three consecutive years.  * Unsolved Mysteries: Why, despite the acquittals by the Privy Council in 1947, many still believe the true mastermind behind the murder never faced justice. Why You Should Listen :  If you’re a fan of true crime from South Asia, this case is the "O.J. Simpson trial" of the 1940s. It features everything: a victim with a criminal past, a high-stakes conspiracy, and a tragic downfall of cinematic legends. We dig through the 200-page trial transcripts to separate myth from reality. Keywords: South Asian True Crime, Indian History, Lakshmikanthan Case, M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, N.S. Krishnan, Madras Presidency Crime, Old Hollywood Scandals, Unsolved Murders India, 1944 Madras Murder. Support the show Thanks for tuning into to Welted Marigold! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a rating and review. It really helps us out! Do Follow us on YouTube!

    5 min
  6. Murder of Sana Yousaf | Pakistan True Crime

    12/12/2025

    Murder of Sana Yousaf | Pakistan True Crime

    Send us a text Welcome to Welted Marigold with your storyteller Ambica , where we delve into the dark and mysterious true crime stories from South Asia and beyond. Tonight, we investigate the profoundly tragic and shocking Sana Yusf murder case. Sana Yusf, a vibrant 17-year-old digital leader from Islamabad, was a one-woman industry who commanded over a million adoring followers across platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Her content was simple, but her mere presence—a young single woman speaking directly to the world—was, in the society she lived in, an act of rebellion and a testament to her autonomy. Her fame, however, drew the toxic obsession of Omar Hayat, known by the nickname 'Kaka.' This is the story of how a digital admirer's unchecked desire morphed into a deadly obsession. We track Hayat's chilling escalation, from persistent online demands to eight hours of real-world surveillance outside Sana's home, establishing a routine for a terrifying invasion. On June 2nd, 2025, the fantasy Hayat had built in his mind shattered against Sana's firm, unequivocal rejection. The episode uncovers the terrifying final confrontation, armed with a pistol, and the motive rooted not in love, but in a lethal sense of entitlement. Hayat believed a woman who had dared to achieve such visibility and then dared to say 'No' had committed an unforgivable offense. Join us as we analyze this horrifying trend in a society grappling with a clash between tradition and modernity. Sana Yusf's final story is a brutal reminder that the ultimate price for female visibility in the age of the influencer is still often paid in blood. Chapters (Start at 00:00):  * 00:00 - Introduction: A Single Upload to Sensation | The Price of Saying 'No'  * 00:26 - The Curious Nature of Celebrity in South Asia  * 00:36 - The Victim: Sana Yusf, 17, and Her Empire  * 00:50 - Welcome to Welted Marigold | The Story of Sana Yusf  * 01:20 - Sana Yusf: The Phenomenon and the Act of Rebellion  * 01:51 - Meet the Characters: Sana Yusf, Omar Hayat, and The Witness  * 02:04 - The Danger Begins: Omar Hayat, The Deadly Admirer  * 02:29 - Sana's Firm and Unequivocal Rejection  * 02:51 - Digital Desire Morphs into Deadly Obsession  * 03:09 - The Terrifying Plan: Surveillance on Sana's Birthday (May 29th)  * 03:33 - The Invasion: June 2nd, 2025 (5:00 p.m.)  * 03:54 - The Final Confrontation and The Pistol  * 04:21 - The True Motive: Rejection of Entitlement  * 04:47 - The Arrest and Confession of Omar Hayat  * 05:10 - The Horrifying Trend: Female Visibility and The Price Paid in Blood  * 05:39 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts 🔔 Don't forget to Subscribe to our podcast Welted Marigold for more dark and mysterious stories! Share this episode to join the conversation and help raise awareness. #SanaYusf #OmarHayat #TrueCrimeSouthAsia #TikTokStarMurder #InfluencerDeath #WeltedMarigold #EntitlementCulture #FemaleVisibility #desicrime  Video URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxQCzoxb_kk Channel: Welted Marigold Support the show Thanks for tuning into to Welted Marigold! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a rating and review. It really helps us out! Do Follow us on YouTube!

    6 min
  7. The Maharani Anila Kumari Murder Case: Royal Feud, Missing Queen, and a Property Scandal

    12/04/2025

    The Maharani Anila Kumari Murder Case: Royal Feud, Missing Queen, and a Property Scandal

    Send us a text Dive into the complex and shocking saga of the Maharani Anila Kumari murder case, a sensational crime that has gripped Madhya Pradesh. This investigation focuses on the alleged suspicious death of the 95-year-old Maharani of the erstwhile Narwar Royal Family in Ujjain. The case is not just about a missing royal, but a bitter, ongoing family property dispute over ancestral land valued at over ₹100 Crores. Key Investigation & Searchable Details: • The Allegation: The Maharani's daughter-in-law, Kanakbali Singh, and grandson, Himavat Singh, have publicly accused the Maharani's own daughter, Vibha Singh, of conspiracy and murder. • The Motive: Reports center on allegations that the Maharani was coerced into signing a Power of Attorney and fraudulent documents to transfer valuable land holdings before her reported death. • The Mystery: The most shocking element is the missing body and the alleged secrecy surrounding her death. The family claims they were neither informed of her demise in February 2023 nor provided a death certificate or details of her final rites. MaharaniAnilaKumari #UjjainMurderCase #NarwarRoyalFamily #TrueCrimeIndia #RoyalFamilyFeud #PropertyDispute #IndianCrimeNews #100CroreScam #MPNews #JusticeForMaharani #truecrime #indiacrime #desicrime #southasiacrime  Support the show Thanks for tuning into to Welted Marigold! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a rating and review. It really helps us out! Do Follow us on YouTube!

    8 min
  8. 1925 Bombay: The Bawla Murder and the King Who Lost His Throne | True Crime India

    11/28/2025

    1925 Bombay: The Bawla Murder and the King Who Lost His Throne | True Crime India

    Send us a text Step back to colonial India in 1925 for the Bawla murder case, the royal scandal that shook the British Raj. When wealthy businessman Abdul Kader Bawla is brazenly shot dead on Malabar Hill, Bombay, the trail leads directly to a powerful Maharaja, a beautiful courtesan, and a daring plot of kidnapping and passion. This is not just a murder mystery—it's a story of love, lust, power, and the downfall of a king. Join us as we unravel this sensational desi crime and examine how one assassination in Bombay exposed the decadent secrets of the princely states. A must-listen for fans of true crime and Indian history. Support the show Thanks for tuning into to Welted Marigold! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a rating and review. It really helps us out! Do Follow us on YouTube!

    10 min
See All (30)

About

Join us on Welted Marigold where every episode unravels a captivating story filled with unexpected twists and gripping turns. Dive into the world of true crime, extraordinary incidents, and the remarkable lives of people who have faced the unthinkable. From unsolved mysteries that haunt the shadows of our society to awe-inspiring accounts of resilience in the face of adversity, we bring you tales that challenge perceptions and ignite curiosity. Each story offers a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of the human experience, wrapped in suspense, or in awe that keeps you on the edge of your seat.Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast or a lover of dark, mysterious narratives, our podcast delivers thought-provoking discussions, rich storytelling, and insights that make you question everything you thought you knew. Tune in, and embark on a journey through the dark and mysterious.Subscribe now and become part of our thriving community of listeners.

Information