Zaheera’s mother flees after court rejects bail extension

Sahrunissa Shaikh, mother of the prime witness in the Best Bakery case Zaheera Shaikh...

Sahrunissa Shaikh, mother of the prime witness in the Best Bakery case Zaheera Shaikh, didn’t surrender at the Sessions Court on Friday after her bail extension was rejected and a non-bailable warrant issued against her. According to her lawyer Umesh Deshpande, she has fled to Gujarat.

‘‘She refused to surrender on Friday. I had sent her son Nasibullah to get her to court from her house. However, after arguing with Nasibullah and daughter Sahira accusing them of forcing her to go behind bars, she left the house and fled to Gujarat,’’ said Deshpande.

He said Sahrunissa spoke to her son from Gujarat and is adamant on never returning to Mumbai. ‘‘She called me on my mobile phone from Gujarat today, but I was unable to take the call. She later called up Nasibullah and told him that she would never return to Mumbai,’’ said Deshpande.

He said Sahrunissa’s attempt to flee might have an adverse effect on the court proceedings of her children. ‘‘Although she does not realise the gravity of her actions, the court is likely to take a serious view of what she has done. I hope her children will not suffer for her actions,’’ said Deshpande.

Sahrunissa was sentenced to three-month rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 500 for giving false evidence in the case. However, after Sahrunissa moved the Bombay High Court, her sentence was suspended and she was granted bail. The matter is to come up for hearing on Monday.

Sahrunissa’s daughters Zaheera and Sahira have also been sentenced to three months rigorous imprisonment, and fined Rs 500 for giving false statements in court. Her son Nasibullah has been given a lighter sentence and put on probation.