IPL molestation case: Police record statement of victim's fiance

New Delhi: Delhi Police recorded the statement of Mumbai businessman Sahil Peerzada who corroborated the version provided by his fiancee, an American citizen who was molested allegedly by an Australian cricketer while investigators are trying to contact his friend who was present at the time of the incident. Investigators recorded Peerzada’s statement at the Primus hospital here where he is undergoing treatment after he was punched allegedly by Luke Pomersbach two days ago at a five-star hotel when he objected to the cricketer’s “misbehaviour” with his fiancee Zohal Hamid. Peerzada, a model-turned businessman, told police that he has been punched “3-4 times” by the Royal Challengers team member, a senior police official claimed. [caption id=“attachment_315701” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Pomersbach was arrested and subsequently released on bail. PTI”]  [/caption] Pomersbach was arrested on Friday after Hamid alleged that he molested her and hit Peerzada when he objected to the cricketer’s behaviour. Peerzada was punched in his ear following which he had to undergo a surgery. Doctors said Peerzada will be discharged soon. On his part, Pomersbach has denied the allegations and said he was attacked by Sahil and injured his right hand. Police, meanwhile, is trying to locate the friend of Peerzada’s friend who was seen in a CCTV footage entering the room with Pomersach and Hamid. The friend Miraj, a businessman, has left Delhi and is currently in Mumbai. Sources said Peerzada could not provide them with the contact details of his friend. “We are trying to contact Miraj. We need to record his statement also. He can give us his version of what happened in the room,” the official said. In the CCTV footages, Pomersbach was seen holding a beer bottle in his left hand. Meanwhile, Hamid is likely to approach the court against Royal Challengers owner Vijay Mallya’s son Sidhartha for his tweets casting aspersions on her character. Hamid had also approached Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) complaining about Sidhartha’s tweets yesterday. The DCW is also likely to take up the case tomorrow. Sidhartha, director of the Royal Challengers team set up by his father Vijay Mallya, accused the victim of talking nonsense and went on to allege that “she was all over me last night (Thursday) and asked for my bbm (blackberry messenger) pin”. DCW Chairperson Barkha Singh said she has received Hamid’s complaint regarding Sidhartha. “We will take up the matter on Monday,” she said. Police is also recording the statement of a security guard who had seen Pomersbach going to Peerzada’s room. PTI