Wadia grabbed Zinta’s arm, claims witness

Two weeks ago, Zinta accused fellow team owner Wadia of molesting and abusing her in three incidents during the IPL 7 semi final. (Source: Express Photo)

A witness in the alleged molestation and verbal abuse of actor Preity Zinta said in his statements to the police on Thursday that he saw industrialist Ness Wadia grab Zinta’s arm at Wankhede Stadium on May 30.

The witness, Jai Kanojia, is a common friend of both Zinta and Wadia, the police said. “Kanojia was invited to watch the game by Zinta and was seated on Level 2 of Garware Pavilion. He said that he couldn’t hear the heated exchange between Zinta and Wadia because the stadium was very noisy,” said a senior police officer.

The officer added Kanojia had initially been hesitant in recording a statement even though he was named by Zinta as a witness in her supplementary statements recorded at Wankhede stadium on Tuesday. “We issued summons to Kanojia and asked him to be present at Marine Drive police station,” he said. The police has also contacted a director at a media house and two others who were among Zinta’s invitees. Communications have also been sent to the American national Jean, who intervened when Wadia grabbed hold of Zinta’s arm, and a staff member from Kings XI Punjab. “We have also asked Tara, who was responsible for ticketing and hospitality at the match to record her statements with us. On May 30, she had 50 tickets allotted to Zinta’s guests in her hand and was responsible for seating guests” said the officer.