Mumbai, July 13: A special court today adjourned till July 22 the trial of film financier Bharat Shah and producer Nazim Rizvi facing charges of having links with gulf-based underworld don Chhota Shakeel.
The duo are also inter alia, charged with producing and distributing films at the behest of the crime syndicate. The adjournment was granted after defence advocate Shrikant Shivde moved an application before the designated Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court seeking 10 days' time as he had to travel outside Mumbai to attend to other cases.
MCOCA judge A P Bhangle, however, dismissed the defence plea for further examination of Dubai-based diamond merchant and co-accused Mohammed Sumsuddin alias 'Bhatija' charged with being a middle man in the transanctions between Shah, Rizvi and Shakeel.
Another application seeking one month's exemption from the trial proceedings, to 'Bhatija' to facilitate his travel to Chennai would be heard when the court reconvenes.

The cross-examination of the ''Pancha'' witness was completed today.

Bureau Report