J&K govt orders fresh probe into Anara case

The case had rocked the state two years ago. SIT has been asked to start the fresh probe immediately.

Acting on an order of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, the state government has set up a Special Investigating Team to conduct a fresh probe into former beauty queen Anara Gupta's alleged appearance in a porn film.

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The three-member SIT is headed by Senior Superintendent of Police Aziz Khan. Its other members are Deputy Superintendent of Police Ashok Sharma and Inspector Lal Chand, official sources said on Tuesday.

The case had rocked the state two years ago. The police last year dropped their case against Anara, who was crowned Miss Jammu in 2001, after a forensic laboratory concluded the woman in the film was not her.

The SIT has been asked to start the fresh probe immediately, sources said.

Anara was arrested with seven persons in connection with the case in November 2003.

In February, Jammu's Chief Judicial Magistrate Sanjay Dhar had directed the state police chief to reopen the case and probe it afresh through an honest and dedicated police officer of the rank of deputy inspector general.

Anara, who has consistently denied appearing in the porn film, has been working in a film based on her experiences.