Monica case: Shiraz statement recorded

Bhopal, Feb 15 (UNI) A local court today recorded the statement of accused-turned-government witness Shiraz in a fake passports case wherein underworld don Abu Salem and his starlet-girlfriend Monica Bedi stand accused.

Defence Counsel P C Bedi cross-examined Shiraz in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Raveendra Singh. Mr Bedi asked Shiraz to produce documentary evidence of having been employed by the underworld at Dubai. The witness responded by saying that he was never provided any document of having worked for Salem.

The hearing lasted about three hours and Monica was present besides Public Prosecutor R K Motwani and Shiraz's Counsel Nazmuddin.

February 20 was fixed as the next date for hearing.

On November 28, 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.

UNI