Monica Bedi's extradition cleared

Paving the way for her trial in India, the Supreme Court of Portugal has rejected a petition by underworld don Abu Salem's girlfriend, Monica Bedi, opposing her extradition to India.

Also Read Abu Salem, Monica got their passports in AP

The little-known Bollywood actress had filed an appeal before the Portugal supreme court after the high court of that
country ordered her extradition to India.

Monica and Abu Salem were arrested in Lisbon in September 2002.

Central Bureau of  Investigation spokesman G Mohanty said Monica will be brought back to India shortly.

He said the CBI is awaiting an official communication from the Portugal government.

Asked if the agency had replied to the queries from the office of the President of India A P J Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on issues raised by Monica in a letter to them, Mohanty said that the agency has replied to all questions. "We have answered each and every question whether it came from the office of the President of India or the prime minister. Now it is up to the government to take a decision in this matter," he said.

Monica, in her letters, had pleaded forgiveness. She had claimed she did not know about the true identity of Salem at the time of her marriage.