dna exclusive: Paraskar rape case: Poonam Pandey to be quizzed

In a new twist to the rape case filed by a model against deputy inspector general of police Sunil Paraskar, the Mumbai crime branch said it will soon question model Poonam Pandey.

Why will Poonam Pandey be questioned?
The victim is believed to have told the police, as well as tweeted on July 3, that Paraskar was harassing her at Pandey's behest because she is close to him and is a professional rival of hers (the victim's). The police said they will question the controversial model to ascertain what kind of a relation she shared with Paraskar.

What the police said
Besides finding out the reasons for the delay in filing a complaint against Paraskar on part of the victim, an officer said, "There have been some tweets exchanged between the victim and Pandey on this issue and we are analysing them."

What Paraskar said
He informed crime branch that he would soon submit evidence in his defence.

Where has the investigation reached?
The crime branch has been able to retrieve some of the text messages exchanged between Paraskar and the victim, which show the DIG apparently apologising to the victim for something. But it is not yet clear why he is apologising. However, the police said the context of the messages has not yet been established and does not amount to admission of the crime.

What's the case update?
The crime branch on Wednesday recorded the victim's statement before a magistrate under section 164 of the CrPC. According to the police, statement recorded before magistrate under section 164 of CrPC holds evidential value in the court of law. Also, Paraskar was again summoned to the police headquarters to record his supplementary statement.
Joint commissioner of police (crime) Sadanand Date said, "Paraskar's supplementary statement was recorded after more details surfaced during investigation. We have sent phones of the victim for forensic analysis, and even the DIG has been asked to give his phone for investigation."