Preity Zinta case: Wadia gives names of 9 witnesses, questioning likely in 48 hrs

Mumbai, July 2: Industrialist Ness Wadia, facing allegations of molesting his ex-girlfriend and Bollywood actress Preity Zinta, today wrote to Mumbai Police listing the names of nine witnesses he wants quizzed in the case even as investigators are likely to record his statement in the next 48 hours.

In a letter addressed to the investigating officer of the case registered by Marine Drive Police station, Wadia described as "false" the charges levelled against him by Zinta.

"We are hereby providing a list of persons who were present at the Kings XI v/s Chennai Super Kings match at Wankhede stadium on May 30, 2014. We believe these persons who were present would be able to provide independent and truthful facts about the events that took place at the stadium on that evening with regard to the false complaint filed by Priety Zinta against me," reads the letter delivered to the police station this afternoon by a representative of Wadia.

This is the first formal communication by Wadia with the police after an FIR was registered against him on May 30. The names of witnesses mentioned by Wadia are: Serieka Lal, Loretta Joseph, Pooja Dadlani, Anneline Adams, Farah Oomerbhoy, Sweetie Burman, Kamlesh Shah, Rayaan Mustapha and Sharat Nath.

In her complaint of June 12, Zinta had accused Wadia of molesting, abusing and threatening her during an IPL encounter between Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings on May 30. Despite their break-up, Wadia and Zinta have continued their business ties and are co-owners of Kings XI Punjab team.

Marine Drive Police have registered an FIR against Wadia under IPC Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman).

Deputy Police Commissioner Ravindra Shisve, said, "We will examine the relevance of the letter. If required, these witnesses will be called to record their statements."

PTI