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

Ambica Uppal

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

    2D AGO

    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
  2. The Murder that ruined Indias first superstar | True Crime India

    DEC 18

    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
  3. Murder of Sana Yousaf | Pakistan True Crime

    DEC 12

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

    DEC 4

    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
  5. 1925 Bombay: The Bawla Murder and the King Who Lost His Throne | True Crime India

    NOV 28

    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
  6. Brother’s Betrayal: Pramod Mahajan and the Murder That Shook Indian Politics| True Crime India

    NOV 20

    Brother’s Betrayal: Pramod Mahajan and the Murder That Shook Indian Politics| True Crime India

    Send us a text The most shocking political true crime story in modern India. Pramod Mahajan was the BJP's charismatic "Kingmaker" and a Union Cabinet Minister. His extraordinary life was ended not by a political rival, but by his own flesh and blood. In this chilling episode of The Brand and Tonic Show, we go beyond the headlines to uncover the toxic saga of the Mahajan brothers. We detail Pramod Mahajan's meteoric rise in the BJP, his influence on the cellular revolution, and the high-flying life that fueled a decade of profound resentment in his younger brother, Pravin Mahajan. Hear the full, spooky tale of sibling rivalry turned hatred: • The crushing humiliation and financial dependency that led Pravin to view his brother as a "generous dictator." • The events of April 22nd, 2006, the three fatal shots, and the calm confession that stunned the nation. • The dramatic courtroom battle and the verdict in this heartbreaking political tragedy. If you're fascinated by Indian true crime, political history, and the darkest side of family dynamics, this is a must-listen episode. Chapters:  00:00:00 - Introduction: The Kingmaker's Tragic End 00:00:46 - April 22, 2006: The Morning of Reckoning 00:01:40 - The Characters: Pramod vs. Pravin Mahajan 00:03:08 - The Rise of Pramod Mahajan: From Teacher's Son to Master Strategist 00:04:48 - Pravin in the Shadows: Debt, Dependence, and Control 00:05:40 - The Brand: Pramod's Political Triumph and Affluent Life 00:06:50 - The Bitter Reality: Humiliation and Blocks to Pravin's Ambitions 00:08:12 - The Fatal Day: Three Shots in the Apartment 00:09:05 - The Aftermath and National Vigil 00:10:09 - The Trial and Conviction of Pravin Mahajan 00:11:45 - The Legacy and The Tragic Conclusion for Both Brothers 00:12:29 - Final Assessment: A Cautionary Tale of Unaddressed Envy 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!

    13 min
  7. BRUTALLY MURDERED: Justice Overturned by Elite Power | The Ivonne Johnson True Crime Sri Lanka Nepal India Pakistan

    NOV 13

    BRUTALLY MURDERED: Justice Overturned by Elite Power | The Ivonne Johnson True Crime Sri Lanka Nepal India Pakistan

    Send us a text In the wealthy, exclusive Royal Park Condominium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, a life of privilege masked a savage brutality. This is the harrowing true crime story of Ivonne Johnson, a bright 19-year-old found murdered in a rarely used fire escape stairwell in 2005. The Case That Rocked a Nation: Ivonne's killer was one of their own: Jude Anthony Ja, a member of Sri Lanka's affluent elite, whose volatility was ignited by ego and intoxication. The assault was relentless, but a silent witness was left behind: a single, irrefutable bloody palm print that plastered the killer's guilt on the wall. This case became a national confrontation between justice and the deep corruption of wealth and power. Follow the agonizing legal battle that saw the conviction upgraded to a death sentence—a momentary victory for the rule of law. But the story doesn't end there. In a shocking and controversial move, the killer was granted a Presidential Pardon in 2019, leading to his immediate release and confirming the public's darkest suspicions about the elite. Learn how Ivonne's family persevered, leading to a landmark 2024 Supreme Court ruling that overturned the pardon, deeming it unconstitutional. Today, the killer is an internationally sought fugitive. Join Welted Marigold as we illuminate the lines of privilege and the perseverance of a family against impossible odds in this devastating South Asian true crime saga. 🔍 Dive Deeper into True Crime Affluence, Murder, and Corrupt Justice. Chapters:  00:00 - Introduction to the Tragedy and the Silent Witness 00:27 - The Royal Park Condominium: A Bubble Bursts 01:59 - The Brutal Crime Scene: Who was Ivonne Johnson? 04:04 - The Killer: Jude Anthony Ja's Profile of Privilege 05:07 - The Night Out: Clubbing, Alcohol, and the Argument 06:21 - The Fatal Crossroads: The Confrontation on the Fire Escape 07:22 - The Assault and the Irrefutable Evidence (Bloody Palm Print) 08:34 - The Calculated Cover-Up: Washing Away the Blood 09:37 - The Alibi and the Retreat: Running from the Crime 10:19 - The Legal Battle: Justice vs. Elite Power 11:20 - The Death Sentence and the Rule of Law 12:13 - The Shocking Presidential Pardon and the Ultimate Betrayal 12:47 - A Landmark Ruling: Overturning the Pardon and the Fugitive Killer 13:25 - The Legacy of the Royal Park Shadow (Conclusion and Recommendations) Relevant Keywords & Hashtags  * Keywords: Ivonne Johnson, Jude Anthony Ja, Royal Park Murder, Sri Lanka True Crime, Colombo Murder, Presidential Pardon Overturned, Fugitive Killer, Unsolved Mystery South Asia, Elite Crime, Wealthy Murder Case, Justice System Failure.  * Hashtags:    #TrueCrime    #UnsolvedMystery    #TrueCrimeStory    #RoyalParkMurder    #IvonneJohnson    #SriLanka    #WeltedMarigold    #TrueCrimePodcast    #Fugitive    #JusticeSystem 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!

    14 min
  8. 11 Bodies. 11 Family Members. 11 Diaries | The Burari Deaths | True Crime India

    NOV 6

    11 Bodies. 11 Family Members. 11 Diaries | The Burari Deaths | True Crime India

    Send us a text Dive deep into the chilling Burari Murders case – one of India’s most perplexing and disturbing mass deaths. In this episode of Shadows of Burari, we meticulously dissect the evidence, the shocking discovery of eleven family members found deceased, and the terrifying belief system that led to this tragedy. Explore the unsettling dynamics of the Chundawat family, the intricate web of alleged shared psychosis, and the handwritten notes detailing the ritualistic 'Banyan tree worship' that promised salvation but delivered death. Listen now to uncover the horrifying truth behind the Burari deaths. 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!

    15 min
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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.

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