Monica case: Witness' statement not recorded

Bhopal, Nov 14: Absence of public prosecutor prevented a local court today from recording statement of witnesses in a fake passport case, involving underworld don Abu Salem and his girlfriend Monica Bedi.

Advocate Khalil Ullah, a witness in the case, was present before Judicial Magistrate Dinesh Kumar Dangi's court for recording of statement.

Recording of Mr Khalil's statement was postponed for tomorrow due to the public prosecutor's absence.

Monica was present in court amid tight security.

Meanwhile, the court gave verdict on an application by defence counsel P C Bedi for removing some sections from charges under section 216 of the CrPC registered against Monica.

Mr Dangi said there was no need for removing these sections.

A total of 32 witnesses had recorded their statements so far.

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.

UNI