Sooraj Pancholi reveals he is still unsure who framed him in Jiah Khan suicide case: 'I was a 20-year-old boy in a relationship that didn't go well... was treated like a terrorist'

Time of India

17-05-2025

Sooraj Pancholi
endured nearly a decade of media scrutiny following the
Jiah Khan suicide case
. Starting in his early 20s, the Kesari Veer actor found himself battling
abetment charges
well into his 30s. Recently, a visibly emotional Sooraj opened up about the ordeal, confessing he's still baffled over who might have framed him. He also hinted that the drama could stem from people who hold a grudge against his father, actor
Aditya Pancholi
.
'Treated Like a Terrorist': Sooraj Recalls Media Trial
In a chat with Varinder Chawla's team, Sooraj opened up about the emotional toll of the decade-long trial in the
Jiah Khan
case. He recalled being just 20 when the media painted him as a villain, saying he was treated 'like a terrorist' over a failed relationship. Sooraj slammed the one-sided narrative, claiming no one looked into the other side of the story or questioned what really led to the tragedy, while he was burdened with "dirty allegations."
'Felt Cornered, Like I Was Being Bullied'
Sooraj further shared that the years of constant accusations left him feeling 'cornered,' likening the experience to bullying. He speculated that the backlash might have stemmed from resentment toward his father, Aditya Pancholi. 'Maybe he made some enemies,' Sooraj said, adding that he still doesn't know who was truly behind it all.
A Decade in Court: 'Sometimes Even Six Days a Week'
The actor further revealed that choosing to undergo a full trial was the only path he saw to clear his name. But it came at a huge emotional cost. 'Doing a trial isn't easy, especially when the media's involved,' he said, his eyes welling up. He recalled spending years shuttling to court—sometimes twice a week, sometimes even six days straight—waiting endlessly from his 20s into his 30s. 'I can't talk about it now,' he added, visibly choked up.
He also reflected on the years-long trial, saying he chose that route because it was the only way to clear his name properly. He explained that undergoing a trial meant facing every accusation head-on and responding to each claim in detail. He also pointed out that the controversial letter recovered from Jiah Khan's home—on the basis of which he was arrested—was later declared fake in court. This left him questioning why he was arrested in the first place. Now, he feels this is finally his moment to speak up, as people are willing to listen.
The Jiah Khan Case: A Decade of Legal Battle
Jiah Khan, a rising Bollywood actor, was found dead at her home in June 2013 by her mother,
Rabia Khan
. A six-page letter allegedly detailing her turbulent relationship with Sooraj Pancholi was recovered, leading to serious allegations from Rabia, who accused Sooraj and his family of mistreating Jiah. He was arrested on charges of abetment to suicide but later granted bail. After a lengthy legal battle that spanned 10 years and involved testimony from 22 witnesses, Sooraj was acquitted by the court in 2023.
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