Former Surrey teacher convicted of murdering pregnant wife granted unescorted leaves from prison

A former Surrey teacher who was convicted of murdering his pregnant wife and burned her body has been given unescorted temporary absences from prison.

A former Surrey teacher who was convicted of murdering his pregnant wife and burned her body has been given unescorted temporary absences from prison.

Mukhtiar Panghali was convicted in the strangulation death of his wife, Manjit, who was killed 15 years ago. The charred remains of her body were found in Delta several days later. She was four months pregnant with their second child at the time she was killed.

In its decision, the Parole Board of Canada agreed to give Panghali unescorted temporary absences “for family contact” for one year with conditions.

"You indicated that since your last hearing, you have thought more about accountability and responsibility, and how even describing your offence as a mistake is wrong,” the decision document from the Parole Board of Canada reads.

“You indicated that this sentence has been a journey in you correcting your beliefs and thoughts, and you want to work on this for the rest of your life. You take full responsibility for your actions.”

The conditions imposed on Panghali’s UTAs include that he not consume drugs or alcohol and not have any contact with the family of the victim, including his daughter, without prior written permission from his parole supervisor.

Panghali, now 49, is serving a life sentence and is currently at a minimum-security prison according to the parole board’s decision document. His parole supervisor supported his request for UTAs.