Pics: Suraj Pancholi's life changed post-Jiah Khan suicide

Mumbai, July 3: Suraj Pancholi, an aspiring Bollywood actor, might not have imagined his life in such a pathetic condition, not even in his worst nightmare. The 22-year-old experienced the life behind bar in connection with his late girlfriend Jiah Khan suicide case.

After spending 23 days in prison, Suraj finally has been released from Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai on Tuesday, July 2. Suraj, son of Bollywood actor Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab, was accompanied by his parents.

The Bombay High Court on Monday granted bail to Suraj on a surety of Rs 50,000. His parents completed all formalities on Tuesday when he was let off from the jail.

Sooraj Pancholi produced at a court

Sooraj Pancholi, son of actor Aditya Pancholi, is produced at a court in Mumbai on Tuesday in connection with Jiah Khan suicide case.

Produced at a court

Sooraj Pancholi, son of actor Aditya Pancholi, is produced at a court in Mumbai on Tuesday in connection with Jiah Khan suicide case.

In Mumbai Court

Sooraj Pancholi, son of actor couple Aditya Pancholi, is produced at a court in Mumbai on Tuesday in connection with Jiah Khan suicide case.

Sooraj Pancholi's mother Zarina Wahab

Sooraj Pancholi's mother Zarina Wahab and brother coming out of the court where he was produced in connection with Jiah Khan suicide case.

Actor Aditya Pancholi and his son Sooraj Pancholi

Actor Aditya Pancholi and his son Sooraj Pancholi during the burial ceremony of Bollywood actress Jiah Khan's at Muslim Majlis burial ground in Santacruz.

Suraj Pancholi was released from Arthur Road Jail

Sooraj Pancholi, son of actors Aditya Pancholi (L) and Zarina Wahab (R), after he was released from Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai on Tuesday. Pancholi was release after being granted bail by the Bombay High Court in Jiah Khan suicide case.

Jiah Khan

Bollywood actress Jiah Khan allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself at her residence in Juhu.

Suraj was questioned initially when Jiah committed suicide in her Juhu apartment on June 3. However, his life had taken a drastic turn when the late actress' family members released suicide note apparently written by Jiah.

Suraj was arrested on June 13 and was sent to judicial custody. A Mumbai session court rejected his bail plea and his judicial custody was extended till July 11.

Challenging the session court order, the Pancholis moved the Bombay High Court which finally gave some relief to the family.

The high court said, "...it cannot be said that on June 3, he (Suraj) had acted in any manner which could reflect a mens rea (intention) that he wanted her to commit suicide. In the absence of any mens rea, instigation or aid, it cannot be said that (Suraj) had driven her to commit suicide on that day."

Analysing the "suicide note", which was submitted by Jiah's family days after her suicide, the court asked, "Is the script addressed to Suraj or (are they) extracts from her diary? Whether it can be called a suicide note? When there is no date on it can it be linked to the day she committed suicide?"

Speaking about Jiah's nature, the noted that Suraj earlier had helped Jiah when she had tried to commit suicide. Snubbing the statement of Mumbai Police over Jiah's abortion, the court said, "...abortion appeared to be out of (her own) volition and therefore it cannot be said that (Suraj) had forced her to undergo medical termination of pregnancy or otherwise."

The judge also noted that Suraj did not ruin any evidence related to the suicide case. He said, "It cannot be said as of now that Suraj has caused disappearance of evidence. He did not make any attempt to destroy the letters (reportedly written by Jiah) in his possession."

OneIndia News