Wednesday, March 15 2006 10:02 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: In a move that could bring under scanner high-profile witnesses in the Jessica Lall murder case, including socialite Bina Ramani and model Shayan Munshi, the Delhi Police yesterday(Mar 14,2006) issued look-out notices for them to prevent their leaving the country without prior permission.

"Yes, we have issued it," Special Commissioner of Police (Intelligence) U K Katna said when asked whether police had issued look-out notices in connection with the case. He declined to give details.

Police sources said notices have been issued against all the nine accused, who were acquitted by a trial court, and key witnesses whose presence in the country is vital for the investigation.

Bina Ramani, her fashion designer daughter Malini and actor Shayan Munshi were among key witnesses whose presence was required, they said.

Ramani and her daughter are key witnesses in the case as it was at their Tamarind Court restaurant where the ramp model was killed on the night of April 29-30, 1999.

Munshi was one of the witnesses when Manu Sharma, son of Haryana Minister Venod Sharma, allegedly shot Lall. The Ramanis had allegedly washed the premises after the incident thereby destroying evidence in the case.

Under look-out notices, all airports and ports are alerted about the persons against whom they are issued to prevent them from leaving the country without prior permission. A trial court had acquitted all nine accused, including Manu Sharma, former Rajya Sabha MP D P Yadav's son Vikas of all charges in the murder.

The acquittal triggered public outrage, following which Delhi Police filed an appeal in the High Court Monday(Mar 13,2006).

Police has also filed a new case of criminal conspiracy in the destruction and fabrication of evidence in the investigation of the case.