Jiah Khan case: Sooraj Pancholi moves HC for passport

Bollywood actor Sooraj Pancholi has filed a petition in Bombay high court requesting his passport should be returned to him as he has to travel abroad for professional work. The court has sought CBI’s response in the case.

Bollywood star Sooraj Pancholi on Wednesday moved the Bombay high court, saying his passport should be handed back to him as he has to travel abroad to fulfil work commitments. Pancholi is accused of abetting the suicide of his girlfriend-actor Jiah Khan.

CBI charged Sooraj Pancholi with abetment of Jiah Khan’s suicide. (HT photo)

The HC issued a notice to CBI seeking its response in the case. Justice Mridula Bhatkar sought CBI’s response after the state government informed the court that the probe in the suicide case is being done by the central agency as per HC orders. The court has posted the application for hearing on Thursday.

Jiah had allegedly committed suicide on June 3, 2013 after hanging herself from a ceiling fan. (HT photo)

Read: Salman kept me close after Jiah’s suicide, says Sooraj Pancholi

Sooraj in his application has said he has to travel outside the country to fulfil certain professional commitments. He urged that he be given his passport and assured that once he is back in the country, he would return it to the investigating agency.

Jiah had allegedly committed suicide on June 3, 2013 after hanging herself from a ceiling fan in her suburban Juhu residence. Jiah’s boyfriend-actor Sooraj Pancholi was arrested for abetting her suicide on June 10, 2013 but was released on July 2 after the HC granted him bail.

Jiah’s mother petitioned the High Court seeking probe by an independent agency under supervision of the court and alleged that Jiah was murdered by Sooraj. Following this, the court in July 2014 transferred probe in the case to CBI.

CBI, after investigation, submitted its charge sheet before a trial court here and charged Sooraj for abetment of suicide. Rabia then once again petitioned the court against CBI categorising Jiah’s death as suicide and not homicide.