15 cases of Zahira's false statement pointed out

Mumbai, Apr 25: Prime witness in the Best Bakery case of Gujarat Zahira Sheikh had given false statements on 15 occasions during the re-trial of the case in Mumbai, the Special Court here has pointed out and has directed that reply be filed by Thursday.

Providing 15 instances false statement during the re-trial to Zahira's counsel Umesh Deshpande, Additional Sessions Judge Abhay Thipsay said she had tried to suppress the facts relating to the alleged offences and incidents which she was aware of.

Mr Thipsay has, in particular, referred to the fact that Zahira claimed to be unaware that a re-trial of the case had been ordered on her grievances.

She had lied that her brothers and servants got down from the terrance after the police and fire brigade came next morning of the incident.

The court also said that while Zahira had given evidence to the effect that she had not lodged any report with the police, but when her signature on the document was shown to her, she admitted it was her signature.

She had also stated that she was not aware of the result of the previous trial in Vadodara, nor did she know whether her sister Sabira had died during the riots.

Zahira has shown her ignorance of having approached the Supreme Court and that the Apex court had ordereda re-trial in the case, considering her greivances.

UNI