Monica's case: Defence application rejected

Bhopal, Feb 5 (UNI) A local court today rejected an application submitted by the defence under section 21 of the Extradition Act in a fake passport case, involving underworld don Abu Salem and his girlfriend-actress Monica Bedi.

Defence Counsel P C Bedi had sought gathering of new evidence in the case contending that it would violate the Extradition Act.

However, prosecution counsel Ramesh Motwani said new evidence was not being gathered rather an initiative had been taken to connect the threads of available evidence. Hence, there was no question of violating the Act.

Chief Judicial Magistrate Ravindra Singh had heard the arguments from both the sides earlier.

The court today rejected the application. Hearing in this case would be held tomorrow. It was expected that Monica would be present during the hearing.

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

UNI