Monica case: Superintendent cross-examined

Bhopal, Mar 7 (UNI) A local court today witnessed the cross-examination of the Superintendent, Passports Office, 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 Mr Amar Jeenus Lakda before Chief Judicial Magistrate Ravindra Singh.

''The passports were made on the basis of a police verification report,'' Mr Lakda said. Public Prosecutor R K Motwani was also present. March 14 was fixed as the next date for hearing.

Judge Anurag Shrivastav will deliver his ruling tomorrow on a defence review petition urging conversion of seven witnesses -- including officials of the corporation, Passports Office and police personnel -- into accused.

On November 28, 2001, a case was registered by the Bhopal Police Crime Branch 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