Mumbai, Oct 16: An important witness in the case of alleged nexus of Bollywood with the underworld today bared the links of film producer Nasim Rizvi and his assistant Abdul Rahim Allah Baksh with Karachi-based gangster Chhota Shakeel.
Deposing in-camera before designated Judge A P Bhangale, Arif Lakdawala, a city businessman, said he had introduced noted directors Abbas and Mastan to Rizvi and Abdul Rahim at the instance of childhood friend Tariq Parveen to seek their
confirmation for making film Chori Chori Chupke Chupke.
The witness told prosecutor Rohini Salian that Tariq had also informed him that Rizvi and his assistant were Shakeel's men. He had taken the duo to Abbas and Mastan as the latter were living in his neighbourhood in south Mumbai.
To a question by defence lawyer Majeed Memon, the witness admitted that he had visited the car showroom of notorious gangster Abu Salem in Dubai during his visit in 1995-96.
The witness also admitted that he had dealt with Abu Salem in regard to car purchase transaction but denied knowledge that such an act was an offence.
Lakdawala said his friend Tariq had told him that Chhota Shakeel had instructed him on telephone to introduce Abbas and Mastan to Rizvi and Abdul Rahim for directing the film Chori Chori Chupke Chupke.
However, the witness said he had no personal knowledge
about Shakeel's talk with his friend Tariq. He further said
that he would not be able to say whether Tariq was speaking
the truth or exaggerating the matter.
Bureau Report
