Indian American husband jailed for plotting wife's murder

NEW YORK: An Indian American man was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment after being found guilty for plotting to have his wife murdered with the help of an undercover agent, even though the wife said she forgave him for the plot.

Santhosh Paul, 32, who pleaded guilty in April was sentenced on Wednesday.

Santosh admitted he offered $200,000 to a hitman to kill his wife, Tina Paul. The hit-man, however, turned out to be an undercover police agent.

"I love her very much," said Santhosh as he was led out of court. "I want to put this behind us," he said.

Tina lovingly stood by Santosh throughout the trial, the New York Post reported.

Police had arrested Santosh, a resident of a New York City suburb, in December and found an insurance policy for $1 million in Tina's name with Santhosh as the sole beneficiary, which the investigators think was a very strong reason for him to try and kill Tina.