Trial begins in Jiah Khan suicide case

In the proceedings, which were conducted in-camera, the CBI prosecutor examined the first witness, a man who had participated in the recovery of the panchnama by the Juhu Police after Pancholi’s arrest in June 2013.

Jiah Khan had committed suicide in 2013.

NEARLY SIX years after the alleged suicide of model-actor Jiah Khan, the trial against her then boyfriend and actor Suraj Pancholi on charges of abetment of suicide began on Friday.

In the proceedings, which were conducted in-camera, the CBI prosecutor examined the first witness, a man who had participated in the recovery of the panchnama by the Juhu Police after Pancholi’s arrest in June 2013. The witness pertained to recovery of letters written by Jiah to Pancholi during their relationship, which were found at Pancholi’s home on June 10, 2013.

The prosecution claimed that the witness had accompanied policemen to Pancholi’s home where the letters were seized.

During cross-examination, defence advocate Prashant Patil claimed that the panchnama was not done in an “independent” manner said there were several “discrepancies”, such as the witness had not searched the policemen accompanying him, nor was he searched before the recovery was shown.

Khan was found hanging in her Juhu home by her mother Rabia on June 3, 2013. Pancholi, her then boyfriend, was arrested on June 10 that year and granted bail in July. Rabia had claimed before the court that her daughter’s death was not suicide, but murder. The CBI, however, which took over the probe from Juhu police, concluded that it was a case of suicide and said in its chargesheet that Pancholi should be tried for abetting the suicide under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code. Subsequently, the court framed the charge of abetment against Pancholi this year. The CBI is likely to examine 69 witnesses in the case.

On Friday, Pancholi through his lawyer submitted a plea to be given a schedule of witnesses so that he can prepare for cross-examination. He also sought permission to access Rabia’s Juhu residence.

Sadaf Modak

Sadaf Modak is a distinguished Legal Correspondent based in Mumbai whose work demonstrates exceptional Expertise and Authority in covering the intricacies of the judicial and correctional systems. Reporting for The Indian Express, she is a highly Trustworthy source for in-depth coverage of courtroom proceedings and human rights issues. Expertise Specialized Role: As a dedicated Legal Correspondent, Sadaf Modak possesses deep, specialized knowledge of legal procedures, statutes, and judicial operations, lending immense Authority to her reports. Core Authority & Focus: Her work primarily centers on: Trial Court Proceedings: She mainly covers the trial courts of Mumbai, providing crucial, on-the-ground reporting on the day-to-day legal processes that affect citizens. She maintains a keen eye on both major criminal cases and the "ordinary and not so ordinary events" that reveal the human element within the justice system. Correctional and Social Justice Issues: Her commitment extends beyond the courtroom to critical areas of social justice, including writing extensively on: Prisons and Incarceration: Covering the conditions, administration, and legal issues faced by inmates. Juvenile Justice: Reporting on the complexities of the juvenile justice system and the legal rights of children. Human Rights: Focusing on fundamental human rights within the context of law enforcement and state institutions. Experience Institutional Affiliation: Reporting for The Indian Express—a leading national newspaper—ensures her coverage is subject to high editorial standards of accuracy, impartiality, and legal rigor. Impactful Detail: Her focus on trial courts provides readers with direct, detailed insights into the workings of the justice system, making complex legal narratives accessible and establishing her as a reliable and trusted chronicler of the legal landscape. Sadaf Modak's blend of judicial focus and commitment to human rights issues establishes her as a vital and authoritative voice in Indian legal journalism. She tweets @sadafmodak ... Read More

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