Murder victim's family sues for return of goods

The brother and sister of a Surrey, B.C., school teacher murdered by her husband have filed a lawsuit to get her jewelry and personal items back.

Manjit Panghali was four months pregnant when she disappeared six years ago. Her burned remains were found on the side of a road in Delta several days later. Her husband Mukhtiar Panghali, was convicted of her second- degree murder in 2011.

Now Panghali's family alleges Manjit's gold jewelry and belongings were kept or sold by her husband and his family.

Lawyer Perry Mazzone, who represents the victim’s sister, Jasmine Bhambra and brother, Tarminderpal Basra, said it's important to get the belongings back for Maya, Manjit Panghali’s daughter.

"We have a situation where Mr. Panghali murdered his wife and then he and his family remained in possession of the contents of the matrimonial home, her personal effects, Maya's effects and, ultimately, the value of the home and the investment property," Mazzone said.

A separate lawsuit has been filed over the home the couple co-owned.

Mukhtiar Panghali is serving a life sentence with no chance of parole for 15 years.