Jiah Khan, known for her role in 'Nishabd', was found hanging from a ceiling fan at her Juhu residence on June 3.
Initially, the police called it a suicide, but soon after, the postmortem report spoke of human flesh and blood lodged underneath her fingernails. Subsequent investigations revealed that Jiah Khan had allegedly penned a six-page letter that dwelt on her relationship with Sooraj Panscholi. This led to Sooraj's arrest on June 10.
The latest development in the case is that the aspiring actor has been charged with abetment of suicide in this case. Juhu police has named him named in the 447-page chargesheet that it filed in the Andheri Court on Wednesday morning.
When contacted, Sooraj's father, Aditya Panscholi said that he was relieved to hear the news as it means that his son is no longer being charged for murder, as claimed by Jiah's mother. `Of course, he has been charged with abetment of suicide under section 306 of IPC, but we will fight the case and the legal team will look into it,` he said.
He added that at the time of Jiah Khan's suicide, Sooraj was at a five-star hotel. `Also, as far as his upcoming film 'Hero' is concerned, let me tell you that everything is going as per plan. Hopefully the shooting will start soon,` he said.
Sooraj's mother Zarina Wahab rose to her son's defence as well. `I know that my son did not instigate Jiah to commit suicide. Not meeting a person for one day is no reason to commit suicide. In fact, Sooraj loved her and would constantly worry about her. He tried to help Jiah in whatever way he could,` she said.
The case will now move to the sessions court.
