SC clears Chisti of murder, says free to return to Pak

After this discussion of evidence, the court acquitted Chisti and also two other co-accused — Yasir Chisti and Akil Chisti — of murder charge and held all of them guilty only of causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means.

The microbiologist described the incident as an "unfortunate chapter" in his life. "I have lost my youth; prime of my life when I would have done so many things with the qualification. I have not been able to sleep in the past six months. Sword of this case was always hanging. I will now have a sound sleep."

Asked what was the first thing he would do on return to Pakistan, Chisti said that he would first want his "big family" — he has five daughters, one son and 31 grandchildren — to come together for a celebration. "I will also work towards changing a few things in Pakistan. I would want them to be more self-dependent and confident about their identities," he said.

In its order, the Bench also directed the Registry to return to him Rs 5 lakh that he had deposited as security when he was permitted to leave India and visit Pakistan.

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