PANAJI
The North Goa District and Sessions Court has allowed Sukhwinder Singh, one of the two accused in the murder of Haryana BJP leader and actor Sonali Phogat, to travel to Indonesia for two weeks with his wife.
The undertrial had sought permission from the Court citing plans to celebrate her birthday abroad.
Singh, who was released on bail on conditions including surrendering his passport, had earlier been allowed short trips to his native place. His latest plea for foreign travel was opposed by the prosecution over lack of itinerary details.
Singh submitted a detailed plan of his trip to Bali, covering Kuta, Canggu, and Uluwatu, before returning to India on September 23.
“In view of the itinerary given by accused No. 2, I am of the opinion that permission can be granted to the accused No. 2 to travel abroad,” Sessions Judge Irshad Aga said.
Phogat had arrived in Goa on August 22, 2022, with her aide Sudhir Sangvan and Singh. She was declared dead at a hospital in Anjuna the following morning after visiting a nightclub. The post-mortem later revealed multiple blunt force injuries, and a murder case was registered.
Police alleged she died after being given drugs by Sangvan and Singh during the late-night party. The case was later handed over to the CBI, which charged both the accused with murder and common intention under the IPC.
