An FIR on Bollywood actress Preity Zinta’s alleged molestation charge against her ex-boyfriend and business partner, industrialist Ness Wadia was registered Saturday, police said. The Wadia scion, however, said the charges were “baseless” and he was “shocked at the complaint”.
The first information report (FIR) was lodged on the basis of a detailed written compliant handed over at the Marine Lines police station by Zinta late Thursday.
An investigating officer said police have started calling witnesses over the issue and will also the scan CCTV footage of the alleged incident which took place May 30 in Mumbai during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match.
On Thursday night, Zinta, in a written complaint accused the Wadia scion and co-owner of the King XI Punjab IPL team of molesting and abusing her.
Among other things, Zinta has accused Wadia of grabbing her hand and abusing her during a cricket match in Wankhede Stadium here.
Wadia issued a statement Saturday denying Zinta’s allegations.
“I am shocked at the complaint and the allegations made against me are totally false and baseless,” Wadia said.
Police may contemplate any action against Wadia after questioning witnesses and examining video clips of the IPL match in Mumbai a fortnight ago.
Meanwhile, a delegation of the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission led by Chitra Wagh visited the police station Sasturday afternoon to ascertain the probe status and action initiated by the police in the matter.
“The police have informed that they have completed most of the inquiries into the incident. Some witnesses and CCTV footage are still to be probed and will be done soon,” Wagh informed media-persons.
She said she had demanded that the police immediately arrest Wadia and present him before a court to give justice to Zinta.
In a statement to the media Saturday, Zinta claimed that her intention (behind the complaint) “is not to harm anyone but only to protect myself”.
“This is a very difficult time for me and I would like to request the media to please respect my privacy regarding this matter,” Zinta appealed in the statement.