Suhaib Ilyasi, former TV anchor, acquitted in wife's murder case
What's the story
The Delhi High Court on Friday acquitted former TV anchor Suhaib Ilyasi in the case related to his wife's murder, saying there wasn't evidence to prove he was guilty of the crime. Ilyasi, who became a household name after he hosted 'India's Most Wanted', was convicted of killing his wife Anju, 18 years ago. He was arrested after months of investigation.
Convcition
Convicted in wife's murder, Ilyasi was sentenced to life imprisonment
Justices S Muralidhar and Vinod Goel were hearing the plea filed by Ilyasi, challenging his conviction and life imprisonment in the case. The bench noted lack of evidence. Earlier, a trial court had handed him life imprisonment saying he stabbed his wife and made it look like a suicide. Anju died on January 11, 2000, from multiple stab wounds.
Verdict
What trial court noted in its judgment
The trial court in its December 2017 verdict observed Ilyasi murdered Anju as he feared she would make his fraudulent acts and forgeries public. Further, the court noted he had two passports, used a fake degree for job, and committed a credit case fraud. Notably, Ilyasi married Anju in 1993 against his parents' wish, moved to London for a year, and then returned to India.
Harassment
Further, Anju's family alleged Ilyasi harassed her
Notably, in March 2000, Anju's sister Rashmi Singh accused Ilyasi of torturing Anju for dowry and also filed an FIR against him. Her sister and mother allegedly told the investigators that Anju was driven to 'suicide' by her husband. He was also arrested for dowry harassment but vehemently denied those charges.