Businessman Ness Wadia, who has been accused of molestation and abuse by his former girlfriend and Bollywood actress Preity Zinta in a police complaint, today said he was shocked by the allegations and termed them as "false and baseless".

"I am shocked at the complaint and the allegations made against me are totally false and baseless," Wadia said in a statement. His statement came after it came to light that the 39-year-old actress, who jointly owns Kings XI Punjab IPL cricket team with Wadia, has filed a police complaint against Wadia alleging that he molested, abused and threatened her inside Wankhede stadium in south Mumbai.

Zinta filed the police complaint on Thursday night at Marine Drive Police station alleging that she was molested by Wadia (44) inside Wankhede stadium on May 30. On that day, an IPL match between Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings was played in the stadium.

She gave a written complaint following which an FIR was registered against Wadia under IPC sections 354 (Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 506 (Punishment for criminal intimidation) and 509 (Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), according to police station officials.

The actress and the businessman had broken their five-year-long relationship sometime back. Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria today said "offence has been registered. We are trying to collect evidence like the statements of those involved and CCTV footage".


Mumbai police on Saturday started their probe into Bollywood actress Preity Zinta's molestation charge against her ex-boyfriend and business partner, industrialist Ness Wadia.

An investigating officer said police have started calling witnesses over the issue and will also the scan CCTV footage of the alleged incident which took place May 30 in Mumbai during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match.

Police may contemplate any action against Wadia after questioning witnesses and examining video clips of the IPL match in Mumbai a fortnight ago when the alleged incident of molestation took place.

Among other things, Zinta has accused Wadia of grabbing her hand and abusing her during a cricket match in Wankhede Stadium here.

Police are likely to record detailed statements of both Zinta and Wadia over the incident later.

Meanwhile the Maharashtra State Women's Commission is likely to visit the police station later Saturday to ascertain what action has been taken in the matter.