An Indo-Canadian man convicted in the murder of his wife in a sensational case more than a decade ago has been granted day parole. Former teacher Mukhtiar Panghali, who, after killing his wife, once tried to claim burning her body and vehicle was part of a “respectful cremation” has been granted day parole. The Parole Board of Canada made its decision about Panghali last week, after weighing details of his crime and the progress he’s made since being handed a life sentence more than a decade ago.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff With News Files

SURREY – An Indo-Canadian man convicted in the murder of his wife in a sensational case more than a decade ago has been granted day parole.

Former teacher Mukhtiar Panghali, who, after killing his wife, once tried to claim burning her body and vehicle was part of a “respectful cremation” has been granted day parole.

The Parole Board of Canada made its decision about Panghali last week, after weighing details of his crime and the progress he’s made since being handed a life sentence more than a decade ago.

Panghali was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for 15 years. He’s served about 11 years behind bars, and will now be staying at a community-based residential facility or community correctional centre at night.

He’s also subject to a number of conditions including that he have no contact with the victim’s family, including his own daughter, unless he has written permission from his parole supervisor, reported CTV News.

Panghali was convicted of second-degree murder and indignity to a dead body in the 2006 death of his wife Manjit Panghali, 31, and also a teacher.

During Panghali’s trial in 2011, the court heard that the victim was four months pregnant with the couple’s second child at the time. Her body, and her vehicle, were found burned on a beach in Delta after Panghali reported her missing.

He’d told police his wife went to prenatal yoga and never came home. Parole board documents say Panghali waited 26 hours to report her missing and, after her body was found and during the months that followed, tried to point the blame at others.

Following the trial, Panghali tried to appeal his conviction. He said that Manjit’s death was accidental, and that the burning of her body was meant as a “respectful cremation.”

The Court of Appeal rejected his appeal.

Despite the risk of intimate partner violence, the board decided to go ahead with six months of day parole.

Panghali, who had no criminal history prior to his wife’s murder, has the support of his family and a pastor, as well as some support groups, reported CTV News.