Jiah Khan Case: Charged with abetting suicide, Sooraj wants a fair trial

By Nichola

on January 31, 2018

Sooraj Pancholi has been charged with abetting the suicide of his ex-girlfriend, actress Jiah Khan in 2013. However, the actor is putting up a brave front as he declares, “Keeping the emotions intact for the person who has passed away, we do need some movement forward. It’s been a long, long time and I can’t afford to lose more time.”

Sooraj also maintains that he went to court “without any presumption,” adding that he knew there was something he was going to be charged with. “But I’m ready for any charge against me, because until I have a charge, I cannot defend myself. The trial begins from the 14th, and finally there will be progress. For so many years, we’ve never ever delayed the court process.”

Declaring, “It usually is ‘innocent until proven guilty’, but with my case, it started with ‘guilty until proven innocent’,” he states that he and his family are hoping for a fair trial. “I just hope that people state the facts. If it’s bad, write against me; but if it’s in my favour, please write that as well.” According to the 27-year-old, he has lost his 20s in the bargain, but he is hoping to clear his name finally. “I don’t want to feel like a victim. I don’t want any sympathy. I just want my trial to be fair — whether it goes against me or in my favour. I’ve been shown as a criminal since day one; it’s not a good thing to live with. Four years of my prime have gone in attending court proceedings and nothing has happened. I want my case to end, fairly.”

Jiah Khan had committed suicide in her flat in Juhu, Mumbai by hanging herself. In a note left behind, she blamed Sooraj for allegedly ruining her life. Sooraj’s father Aditya Pancholi also declared, “We are very happy [that the trial is beginning]. We have been waiting for this day for the past four-and-a-half years. Now the real trial begins, now we will fight the actual fight. If we are guilty, Sooraj will be punished; and if we are not, then Sooraj will be set free.”

According to Aditya, Jiah’s mother, Rabia, was hampering the progress of the case. “What was happening was that every time the trial was to go to the court, the complainant (Rabia Khan) would go and get a stay on the trial.” It is alleged that Rabia wanted a charge of murder, instead.

All eyes now on the trial which will begin on February 17.