Surrey man and former teacher who killed his pregnant wife 15 years ago has received unescorted temporary absence by the Parole Board of Canada to visit his family.
In October 2006, Mukhtiar Panghali killed his wife Manjit through strangulation. As the investigation progressed, Manjit's burned body was found at a Delta beach. At the time of the killing Manjit was 31. Panghali was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 15 years.
His took the matter to the B.C. Court of Appeal but his plea was rejected.
The Parole Board has made a decision regarding his visits to his family and according to the Board he has proven himself when it comes to being re-integrated into society.
There was successful completion of his escorted temporary absences and as a result was able to make it to unescorted temporary absence.
Panghali has to abide by certain conditions including no consumption of alcohol or drugs and has to disclose sexual and non-sexual relationships with females to his supervisor.
He is not allowed any contact with his daughter.
Manjit was four months pregnant at the time of the murder and had attended a prenatal Yoga class in October 2006.
In January 2007 Panghali was arrested as police got hold of gas station video footage where he can be seen buying a cigarette lighter and a newspaper the night Manjit went missing.
According to the Parole Board he was intoxicated when he committed the crime.
Photo courtesy of Prabhjot Kahlon-OMNI Punjabi News via Twitter.