Mukhtiar Panghali sentenced
Posted March 25, 2011 10:12 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The former Surrey teacher convicted of killing his pregnant wife and then burning her remains has been handed an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole for 15 years.
After time already served, Mukhtiar Panghali will be able to apply for parole in 11 years. He has also received three and a half years for interference with bodily remains, which will be served concurrently.
Panghali has been found guilty of second degree murder in the death of his pregnant wife Manjit five years ago.The verdict came down in February to the relief of Manjit Panghali’s family.
Her sister Jasmine Bhambra says, “She had her life taken away from her by the one person who was supposed to love and protect her. She died a brutal and senseless death at the hands of a sick, evil, and twisted monster.”
She was disappointed Panghali didn’t speak in the courtroom today. “I would like him to admit what he did. I would like him to say ‘Yes, I did it.” But he can’t do that; I don’t think he ever will.”
In 2006, Panghali strangled Manjit, who was four months pregnant. He burned her body on a beach along Deltaport Way.
“He says he’s been vilified by the media,” adds Bhambra. “I’m sorry, you killed your pregnant wife; we’re not going to say you’re a great guy.”
At the BC Supreme Court in New Westminster today, the judge said there were a few mitigating factors in this case, particularly that Mukhtiar Panghali is a first-time offender, but she did note that this case was particularly chilling because Panghali was deliberate in his actions when he killed his wife without considering the appalling nature of his crime.
Crown was asking for 20 years without parole, saying his actions were callous and emotionless. Defence was asking for somewhere between 10 and 13 years; it says it will probably appeal.
