Monica case: Defence plea heard

Bhopal, Mar 3 (UNI) A local court today heard incomplete arguments on a review petition submitted by the defence for making seven people co-accused, on the basis of witnesses' statements, in a fake passports case wherein underworld don Abu Salem and his starlet-girlfriend Monica Bedi stand accused.

Special Judge Anurag Shrivastav heard arguments by Defence Counsel P C Bedi who submitted, ''the statements of officials of the municipal corporation and passports office make it seem as if Bedi is being deliberately framed in a conspiracy that also involved officials.'' March 5 was fixed as the next date of hearing.

Chief Judicial Magistrate Ravindra Singh earlier dismissed a defence plea to convert the witnesses into accused. March 6 is the next date of hearing of the criminal case.

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 passports office using the names Danish Baig, Rubina Baig and Fauzia Osman respectively.

UNI