Mumbai:
Mumbai Police, probing the case of alleged molestation filed by actor Preity Zinta against her former boyfriend Ness Wadia, has asked the BCCI to provide a list of spectators at Garware Pavilion in Wankhede stadium and details of seating arrangement among others at the time of the incident.
The police have also claimed that IPL chairman Ranjib Biswal was verbally communicated by Ms Zinta soon after the public spat on May 30 between her and Mr Wadia who is also co-owner of Kings XI Punjab co-owner.
"We wrote to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), asking to provide the details that would help us in the probe pertaining to the alleged incident of molestation of Zinta," an officer privy to the investigation said today.
"We sought details such as list of spectators at Garware Pavilion and seating arrangement details, names of security staff and those involved in hospitality service among others. We are hoping to get these details in a day or two," the officer said.
Several players of IPL team Kings XI Punjab, its support staff and officials of Wankhede Stadium were present when the alleged incident took place on May 30, claimed Ms Zinta in her complaint.
Talking about the heated argument between Ms Zinta and Mr Wadia, the officer said "Zinta had also informed IPL chairman Ranjib Biswal about unparliamentary behaviour of Wadia. We may call him for recording of statement if required."
Asked about Ms Zinta's communication with him about the public spat on May 30, Mr Biswal refused to comment. However, he stated he would co-operate with the investigating authorities if they call him.
The 39-year-old actress had filed a police complaint last Thursday night alleging she was molested by Mr Wadia (44) inside Wankhede stadium on May 30 when an IPL match was played between Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings.
Based on Ms Zinta's written complaint, Marine Drive police registered an FIR against Mr Wadia under sections 354 (assault or use of 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) of the Indian Penal Code.
Ms Zinta and Mr Wadia had called off their five-year-long relationship a couple of years ago but continued to share business interest.
Meanwhile, investigators are likely to take Preity Zinta to the "crime scene" at Garware Pavilion in Wankhede stadium in a bid to reconstruct the sequence of events.
"When Zinta reaches us to record her statement, we may take her to the Wankhede ground to understand the sequence of events that led to their (Zinta and Wadia) public spat," a police officer said.