IPL Molestation case: Appanna's name crops up in probe

Royal Challengers player K P Appanna's name has cropped up in the investigations into the molestation case of an American woman allegedly by an Australian cricketer here last week.

Investigators claimed that Appanna was the person who accompanied Luke Pomersbach when he went to the victim's room for the second time.

Pomersbach was arrested on Friday after Zohal Hameed alleged that he molested her and hit her fiance Sahil Peerzada when he objected to the cricketer's behaviour. Peerzada was punched in his ear following which he had to undergo a surgery.

"We have examined the CCTV footages and identified Appanna. We have spoken to him. We are yet to formally question him," a senior police official said.

Appanna, a leg spinner who plays for Karnataka in Ranji Trophy, could not be contacted for his comments.

He was allegedly seen with Luke at the corridor of the hotel, the official said, adding they were yet to ascertain whether he entered the room where the victim was staying.

Zohal had alleged that some team members of Luke had pressurised her to withdraw the case against Pomersbach.

Peerzada, a model-turned businessman, told police that he has been punched "3-4 times" by the Royal Challengers team member, a senior police official claimed.

Police sources said Peerzada described Hameed as his girlfriend and not as fiancee during the recording of the statement.