Setback for Preity Zinta: IPL CEO, cops contradict abuse testimony

Despite questioning several witnesses in connection with the case of molestation filed by Bollywood star Preity Zinta against her former boyfriend Ness Wadia, the police have not yet received evidence to collaborate her charges. One such setback was the statement by Sundar Raman, CEO of IPL who denied being present at the IPL auctions in Bangalore where Zinta and Wadia allegedly had an argument. In her complaint, Zinta had claimed that Raman intervened in the fight, Times of India reports. [caption id=“attachment_1510603” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Preity Zinta in this file photo. AFP[/caption] “I was not present at the Bangalore auction. I did not even know about the tiff till the media reported. I have no role at all,” TOI quoted Raman as saying.. According to a report in DNA, police personnel present at the Garware Pavillion operations box when  Wadia allegedly misbehaved with Zinta failed to provide corroborative evidence, as well. Cops who were present at the scene denied seeing Zinta and Wadia arguing. “Cops have also written to BCCI authorities seeking the list of people in the pavilion on that day and the seating arrangement. They will also conduct a spot panchnama,” DNA reported. Speaking to CNN-IBN, Zinta’s lawyer Hitesh Jain had said the case was being portrayed as sexual molestation when the complaint has been registered under Section 354. IPC says a person is punishable under the given Section 354 if he/she “Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty.” Jain added that even the actress never called it a case of sexual molestation. Meanwhile, the police is yet to decide whether they would approach the minor son of a legendary cricketer who was sitting in the same Wankhede enclosure where the incident occurred. The 39-year-old actress had filed a police complaint last week alleging that she was molested by Wadia (44) inside Wankhede stadium on 30 May when the IPL match between Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings was being played. The Marine Drive police station has lodged and FIR and investigations are ongoing.