Non-bailable warrant issued against Bina Ramani

‘I’m being framed,’ says key witness in the Jessica Lal murder case.

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Monday issued a non-bailable warrant against socialite Bina Ramani in the Jessica Lal murder case.

Ramani, the owner of the restaurant Tamarind Court where Jessica Lal was killed on April 19, 1999, was charged with producing forged documents to acquire a licence to run the restaurant.

She has to present herself before the court by September 15, failing which she will face arrest.

Reacting to the charges, Ramani said she was being framed. “The case is seven years old and I have paid the penalty for it,” she said.

“I am one of the key witnesses in the (Jessica Lal) case and by framing me, the cops are making it obvious as to which side they are on.”

A case of cheating, forgery and using forged documents under sections 420, 467, 468, 471 of the IPC has been lodged against Ramani at the Mehrauli police station. She has also been booked for producing a forged ration card to acquire the licence for the restaurant.

Ramani, along with her daughter Malini Ramani, who is a fashion designer, and her husband George Malliot, had earlier been charged with destruction of evidence. Their passports have been confiscated and they have been instructed not to leave the country without the court’s permission.