Investigations are on about the alleged Shoaib-Ayesha marriage, and meanwhile, Pakistan has pledged support to its citizen
The Ayesha Siddiqui - Shoaib Malik tryst showed its ugly face today again, receiving maximum attention since the whole controversy began, with the police authorities interrogating Shoaib after Ayesha officially lodged complaints against him at the Banjara Hills police station.
Malik, who was interrogated by ACP R Ravinder Reddy for almost 2 hours on Monday morning, could not provide any evidence supporting his claims that the nikaah never occurred. However, he maintained that he was cheated with the name of Maha, and said that the nikaahnama is forged.
Though Shoaib was not arrested, his passport was seized and a letter was sent to the immigration authorities alerting that them he cannot leave the country. His movements are being continously monitored. Shoaib responded that he would complain to the Pakistan government regarding the seizing of the passport.
His advocate, Meena, expressed that the questioning should have taken place before the case was filed. According to her, the case under 498 (subjecting a married woman to cruelty) of the IPC isn't even valid, because there was no husband-wife relation in the first place.
On the other hand, police authorities reached Ayesha's home at around 10am, and recorded her statement. Ayesha has reportedly provided proof for her allegations when requested by the police.
Ayesha, in her statement to the police, said that she and Shoaib had met in Hyderabad, and former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin and his wife Sangeeta Bijlani were witness to this meeting in Taj Krishna. This statement was refuted by Azhar, who said he never saw them together. Azhar, in fact, stated firmly that he did not want to be dragged into this matter, and that he isn't interested in anyone's personal life.
On his part, Shoaib, giving his statement to police, said he had gone to Taj Krishna only to eat.
Sania Mirza's family stayed away during the entire period of Shoaib's interrogation that was carried out in their house. Alleging that Ayesha's family is creating a ruckus for money, they continued to pledge their support for their future son-in-law Shoaib, claiming that he is innoncent.
The Pakistan embassy has said that it will provide complete diplomatic and legal aid to its citizen, Shoaib Malik. He has 3 cases booked against him, which include subjecting a married woman to cruelty (section 498-A of the Indian Penal Code), cheating (section 420 of the IPC) and criminal intimidation (section 506 of the IPC). If proved guilty, he faces 3 years of imprisonment.
The police are expected to interrogate Shoaib again, after having taken Ayesha's evidence. ACP Ravinder Reddy has issued a statement that the investigations are still on.
Ayesha, is still requesting that she be considered Shoaib Malik's first wife, and that the marriage between Sania and Shoaib be stopped, or at least that Ayesha's marriage with Shoaib not be denied.