Monica to appear before Bhopal court tomorrow

Bhopal, Oct 15 (UNI) A local court will tomorrow record underworld don Abu Salem's girlfriend and former Bollywood starlet Monica Bedi's deposition in a case regarding a fake passport made here about five years back.

''It is not immediately clear if the hearing will take place through videoconferencing or directly. The district administration has taken precautionary measures in the event of a direct hearing.

The police will attempt to prevent overcrowding,'' said Superintendent of Police Anant Kumar Singh.

Central Jail Superintendent Gopal Tamrakar said a court order was expected by tomorrow afternoon.

Sources said that charges might be framed at this hearing.

On October 12, Monica was brought here from Hyderabad -- where she has already been convicted in another case -- and a hearing took place the following day.

In November 2001, a case was registered at the Koh-i-Fiza Police Station against Salem, his wife Samira Jumani and Monica for having fake passports made at the regional passport office using the names Danish Baig, Rubina Baig and Fauzia Osman respectively.

Salem's local associates Saiyyad Abdul alias Abdul Shiraz and his brother Kabir alias Baba Abu are out on bail while Rubina is absconding.

Salem and Monica were brought to India from Portugal on November 11, 2005. Monica was first presented in the local court in December 2005.

UNI AG-AC VA KP1826