Monica case: Ruling on Feb 24

Bhopal, Feb 22 (UNI) A local court today reserved until February 24 its ruling in a fake passports case in which underworld don Abu Salem and his girlfriend Monica Bedi are accused.

Chief Judicial Magistrate Raveendra Singh heard the conclusion of arguments on a defence application, submitted yesterday under Section 319 of the Criminal Procedure Code, urging conversion of witnesses into accused.

They were cook Afaq alias Sherkhan, Uma Shankar Verma -- who signed a ration card -- Municipal Corporation Clerk Johra Bano, Aziz Fatma, Passports Officer Amar Singh, Passports Clerk Indu Nair, Head Constable Irfan Ahmad, Dinesh and the Parwania Police Station House Officer.

''Accused-turned-government witness Shiraz's statement makes it clear that travel agent Mahendra Sharma had the fake passports and ration cards made. In such a situation why did the police not name as accused the person who hatched the conspiracy,'' said Defence Counsel P C Bedi.

The advocate also quoted Shiraz as saying that Sharma took a bribe of Rs 35,000 for each of three passports and ration cards.

Public Prosecutor R K Motwani was also present.

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