Bharti Yadav to appear in court on November 25

Bharti's lawyer gave an undertaking to the court that she intended "to stay in court till her statement is recorded" on the date given, reports Naziya Alvi.

Bharti Yadav, a key witness in the Nitish Katara murder case, will appear for the prosecution at the trial court on November 25.

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Bharti's lawyer SC Bhuttan gave an undertaking to the court on Friday that she intended "to stay in court till her statement is recorded" on the date given.

Bharti is the daughter of former Member of Parliament DP Yadav. Her testimony is considered crucial to the case against her brother Vikas Yadav and cousin Vishal, who are the main accused in the murder.

The prosecution's case is that Vikas and Vishal did not approve of her alleged relationship with Nitish. The accused had allegedly abducted Nitish from a marriage in Ghaziabad and murdered him on the intervening night of February 16-17, 2002.

Bharti was first issued summons to appear as prosecution witness in May 2003. Since then, the court has issued many bailable and non-bailable warrants against her. On July 29, the court initiated proceedings to declare Bharti a proclaimed offender.

Bharti is at present in London. Her counsel said she would be in India till November 28.

Bharti's statement would be recorded in camera. The defence has asked the court to ensure her statement is not disclosed to the press and that her address is kept secret. They have also requested the court to restrain Neelam Katara, mother of the Nitish, from talking to Bharti during the proceedings.