Sooraj Pancholi Breaks Silence on Jiah Khan Case: "I Was Treated Like a Terrorist"

In a heartfelt revelation, Bollywood actor Sooraj Pancholi has once again spoken out about the long and emotionally taxing ordeal he faced in connection with the death of actress Jiah Khan. More than a decade since the incident that shook the film industry, Sooraj shared that he remains uncertain about who framed him in the tragic suicide case that altered the course of his life.

Speaking candidly during a recent interaction, Sooraj recalled the trauma he endured after being accused of abetting Jiah Khan’s suicide in 2013. At that time, he was only 20 years old and trying to navigate a budding acting career and a serious romantic relationship. “I was a 20-year-old boy in a relationship that didn’t go well… I was treated like a terrorist,” he said, describing the intense media scrutiny, harsh public opinion, and the mental toll it took on him.

Sooraj was arrested soon after Jiah’s body was found in her Mumbai apartment, and what followed was a prolonged legal battle that lasted for nearly a decade. Though he was acquitted in 2023 due to lack of evidence, Sooraj continues to grapple with the unanswered questions that surround the case. “Even today, I don’t know who did it or why it happened to me. I was just a boy in love, and suddenly I was painted as a criminal,” he said.

The actor emphasized the emotional impact of the case on his personal life and career. “There were times I couldn’t step out of my house. People believed what they wanted to believe. For years, I was silent because I respected the legal process and the emotions involved,” he explained. Sooraj expressed that while he feels relieved by the court’s verdict, the years of psychological burden and societal judgment have left lasting scars.

Reflecting on the relationship, Sooraj maintained that like any young couple, they had ups and downs, but he never imagined it would end so tragically. He extended his empathy to Jiah’s family, stating, “I never wished harm on anyone. I lost someone I cared about deeply, and I also lost ten years of my life to something I didn’t do.”

Now attempting to rebuild his life and career, Sooraj Pancholi is focused on healing and moving forward. “I want to live in peace, work hard, and be known for my talent—not for a tragedy that I was unfairly dragged into,” he concluded.

The case continues to be a stark reminder of how swiftly lives can be overturned by circumstances and perceptions. For Sooraj Pancholi, it remains a journey of finding justice not only in court but also within himself.