The widow of an Indian businessman who was wrongly accused of a 1997 murder in Scotland is planning to sue Scottish authorities, claiming the case destroyed her husband’s life despite his eventual exoneration.
Sougat Mukherjee, who was named as a suspect in the killing of Tracey Wylde in Glasgow, died in Mumbai in 2023 at the age of 44, nearly four years after the real killer was convicted. His wife, Sapna Mukherjee, said the impact of the accusations was “irreversible” and has appealed to PM Modi to support legal action against Police Scotland and prosecutors, The BBC News reported.
Extradition battle
Mukherjee, who had been living in India, was informed in 2014 that he was wanted in connection with the decades-old murder. He was arrested in Mumbai in 2015 and spent weeks in custody as part of an extradition process.
According to BBC News, the case against him was linked to CCTV evidence and his departure from Scotland shortly after the killing. His name was later made public, intensifying scrutiny and pressure on his family.
DNA breakthrough
The investigation took a decisive turn in 2018 when a DNA match led to the identification of another suspect. Zhi Min Chen was arrested and later admitted to the murder, receiving a prison sentence after being convicted in 2019.
Mukherjee was formally cleared by Indian authorities the same year after forensic evidence confirmed he was not linked to the crime.
Family describes lasting impact
Sapna Mukherjee said the allegations led to severe consequences for her husband, including social isolation, financial hardship, and deteriorating mental health. She said he developed depression and became dependent on alcohol following the accusations.
She has called for compensation and an official inquiry into how he was identified as a suspect, stating the case had long-term effects on their family, including their three children.
Scotland police said it does not comment on legal proceedings. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said decisions are made based on available evidence, and cases are kept under review.
