Actress Jiah Khan dying by suicide in 2013 sent shockwaves through the nation. It was reported that the actress hung herself at her Juhu apartment on June 3, 2013.
Jiah Khan made her Bollywood debut with Amitabh Bachchan in Nishabd. Later on, she went on to play notable roles in blockbuster films like Aamir Khan-starrer Ghajini, and Akshay Kumar's Houseful.
Jiah Khan Suicide Case: Timeline of events that lasted over a decade
The 'Ghajini' actor died by suicide on June 3, 2013.
It's been a decade nearly, since young actor ended her life on June 3, 2013 by hanging herself in her Juhu apartment. Having made her debut opposite Amitabh Bachchan in filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma's 'Nishabd', the actress later starred in 'Ghajini' opposite Aamir Khan and 'Housefull' opposite Akshay Kumar.
Following her untimely death, actor Sooraj Pancholi, who was in a relationship with the actress, was arrested and tried for abetment of suicide. However, the chain of events leading to shocking revelations that followed, led to a long drawn legal battle between the families of both involved.
As the Special CBI court's verdict is awaited on April 28, we take a look at what transpired.
Death
Jiah Khan died by suicide in her Juhu Apartment. Her body was found by her mother, Rabia Khan.
Depression
As per Rabia Khan's revelation, the young actress was suffering from depression.
The Letter
Jiah Khan's six-page letter, that was found four days after her demise, led to shocking details about the relationship that she and Sooraj Pancholi shared, entailing intimate details about abuse, torture and oppression.
Sooraj Pancholi's arrest
Following the discovery of the note, Juhu Police arrested Sooraj Pancholi under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code.
His bail
His initial application for bail was rejected on June 21, 2013. However, he was granted bail on July 1 with a bond signed amounting to Rs 50,000. He was asked to submit his passport as well. On July 2, he was acquitted by the court on the grounds of innocence.
Rabia Khan's plea
Following Rabia Khan's plea in October seeking a detailed investigation into the case, the case was transferred from Juhu Police to the CBI, a year later.
Sr. Pancholi files a defamation case
Following the transfer of the case to the CBI, a defamation case was filed against Rabia Khan by Sooraj's father Aditya Pancholi.
Raid at Pancholi residence
A raid was conducted by the CBI at the Pancholi residence on May 15, 2015. Later in June, Sooraj was questioned by CBI officials.
Chargesheet against Sooraj Pancholi
On December 9, 2015, CBI filed a chargesheet against Sooraj, citing abetment to suicide. On August 1, 2016, the officials ruled out the possibility of murder and stated Jiah Khan died by suicide.
Another report by British forensic expert Jason Payne-James suggested that Jiah Khan's suicide was orchestrated, a charge that was denied by Aditya Pancholi.
Rabia Khan's open letter to PM Modi
Rabia Khan sought a detailed investigation by Special Investigation Team (SIT), which was rejected by the court. She later penned a letter, seeking help from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sooraj's plea
A plea was filed in the Bombay High Court by Sooraj in October 2017. However, it was quashed by the CBI on account of further probe.
Sooraj's denial
On January 30, 2018, the court accused Sooraj Pancholi of abetment to suicide. The actor denied the allegations and pleaded innocence.
Sooraj's quote to the media on and about Jiah Khan
In an interview to Pinkvilla in 2019, Sooraj said, “I was put in the anda cell at the Arthur Road jail which is the most secluded cell. You have no contact with anyone and you don’t even get newspapers. I was completely numb. At that point, nothing mattered. All that I kept thinking was that I lost someone who I loved.”
Final verdict on the case
The CBI court will pronounce its final judgement on April 28, 2023. The nation awaits a respectful, lawful closure for both families involved.
