Zinta molestation case: Police record statement of two persons

Mumbai police has recorded statements of two persons in connection with the alleged molestation of Preity Zinta by her former boyfriend and industrialist Ness Wadia, but is unable to reach the Bollywood actress as she is out of the country.

“Statements of two persons, who were at the Garware pavilion in Wankhede stadium on May 30 when the alleged public spat between Zinta and Wadia broke out, were recorded on Saturday night,” a police official involved in the investigation said.

However, police did not reveal the identity of the two persons and remained tight-lipped on what emerged in their statements. The investigators also wanted to record the statement of the actress, but she is presently not in the country, the official said.

“After collecting some substantial evidence, we will summon Wadia,” he said.

The investigators will also ask the actress to provide e-mails exchanged between her and her former boyfriend, which police say, would throw some light to understand the long simmering differences between the complainant and Wadia.

Zinta, 39, had filed a police complaint on Thursday night alleging that she was molested by Wadia, 44, inside Wankhede stadium on May 30 when an Indian Premier League match was played between Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings.

Zinta and Wadia had broken off their five-year-long relationship a couple of years back but continued to share business interest. Several players of IPL team Kings XI Punjab, of which Zinta is a co-owner with Wadia, its support staff, and officials of Wankhede stadium were reported to have been present when the alleged incident took place.

Based on Zinta’s written complaint, 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).