Monica case: Witness' statements recorded

Bhopal, Oct 28 (UNI) A local court today recorded statements of the then sub-inspector in crime branch in a fake passports case, in which underworld don Abu Salem, his wife Samira Jumani and girlfriend and Bollywood starlet Monica Bedi stand accused.

In his statement, Mr Devandra Shukla verified the 'panchnama' against Monica, who was present in court for the third day today, amid tight security.

The court has reserved its order over request of making one accused, Shiraj, approver in the case.

Monica's counsel P C Bedi reiterated his demand for presenting his side before a decision was taken regarding Shiraj being made approver.

The next hearing will take place on November 2.

Earlier, statements of three scheduled witnesses could not be recorded yesterday.

The statement of another witness, Arjun Medhani was not recorded, as public prosecutor Ramesh Motwani contended that there was no need for doing so.

On October 12, Monica was bronght here from Hyderabad -- where she has already been convicted in another case -- and a hearing took place through video-conferencing the following day. Charges were framed on October 16 and recording of witnesses' statements began a day later.

On November 28, 2001, a case was registered at the Koh-i-Fiza Police Station against Salem, Samira 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 Siraj 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 appeared in the local court in December 2005.

UNI AG-PS SAM RN1710