In a long-standing case that shook the Indian film industry, actor Sooraj Pancholi was acquitted of abetment charges in the Jiah Khan suicide case. On June 3, 2013, Jiah Khan, a 25-year-old American citizen and Bollywood actress, was found hanging in her Juhu home in Mumbai. Sooraj, her boyfriend at the time, was later arrested on charges of abetment to suicide.
The case has been dragging on for almost a decade now, with Jiah’s mother, Rabia Khan, fighting tooth and nail to prove that her daughter’s death was not a suicide, but rather, a case of murder. Despite Rabia Khan’s allegations, a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Mumbai acquitted Sooraj of all charges on Friday, citing a lack of evidence.
The verdict has come as a great relief for Sooraj and his family, who have maintained his innocence from the very beginning. “The truth always wins,” Sooraj posted on his official Instagram account soon after the verdict was announced. “God Is Great,” he added, coupled with praying hands and a heart emoji.
Sooraj Pancholi‘s mother, veteran actor Zarina Wahab, was also present in the court during the verdict.
Rabia Khan says the Sooraj Pancholi Verdict is not justice served, Sooraj Says Truth always wins
However, for Rabia Khan, the verdict is not justice served, but justice denied. “The verdict is on alleged suicide, but I have always maintained that Jiah was murdered. This, in fact, strengthens my case,” she said in a statement to the press.
The case has been controversial from the beginning, with Jiah’s six-page letter to Sooraj, purportedly written before her death, being the main piece of evidence against him. However, the letter’s authenticity has been questioned, and Rabia Khan has alleged that it was forged.
The case has also highlighted the issue of mental health in the Indian film industry, with many actors and actresses struggling with depression and other mental health issues. Jiah herself had reportedly been suffering from depression at the time of her death.
While the verdict has brought closure to Sooraj Pancholi and his family, it has reopened old wounds for Jiah’s family and friends. The case has been a long and painful journey for them, and the verdict has left them questioning the Indian justice system.
In conclusion, the acquittal of Sooraj Pancholi in the Jiah Khan suicide case has brought mixed emotions among the Indian public. While some see it as justice served, others see it as justice denied. However, what is important is that the case has brought to light the issue of mental health in the film industry, and steps need to be taken to address this issue.