File pic: Ness Wadia, the son of Wadia Group head Nusli Wadia
company has filed a police complaint alleging threatening phone calls and texts referencing Preity Zinta, who had last week accused the businessman of manhandling and threatening her at a cricket match on May 30.
The police say two secretaries with the Wadia Group received phone calls; one also got an SMS which stated, "Don't do any mischief with the lady." The phone number has reportedly been traced to Iran. The caller identified himself as fugitive underworld don Ravi Pujari, the police said.
The calls and the text had "direct reference to Preity Zinta", say sources.
Ms Zinta and Mr Wadia, scion of the Wadia group, an Indian conglomerate with interests in real estate, textiles and a low-budget airline, called off their five-year relationship in 2009 but continue to co-own the IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab.
The police are waiting for Ms Zinta to return to the country and give a statement. (
Opinion: Preity Zinta Will Find Herself Increasingly Isolated, Writes Shobaa De)
The 39-year-old actress alleged on Friday that after an argument during their team's match at Mumbai's Wankhede stadium, Mr Wadia threatened her, pushed her and used bad language.
Mr Wadia, 44, expressed "shock" and called the allegations "totally false and baseless". (
Read Preity Zinta's complaint)
Sources say the police are considering changing the charges of "molestation" in Ms Zinta's complaint to "stalking", since she had reportedly warned Ness Wadia in emails not to follow her. (
Preity Zinta-Ness Wadia Case: Police Consider Altering Molestation Charges to Stalking)
The police have written to officials of IPL and the Indian cricket board for a list of spectators at the pavilion where Ms Zinta and Mr Wadia were sitting. Top IPL officials may also be questioned along with players present at the time.