Date:14/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/14/stories/2007121461211900.htm

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Trespass case against Sania

Staff Reporter

Sania Mirza

HYDERABAD: A trespass case has been registered against tennis player Sania Mirza and the advertisement agency, which shot a film with her on the Mecca Masjid premises here, according to Charminar Assistant Commissioner of Police B. Reddenna.

The Masjid Welfare Committee filed a police complaint on Tuesday seeking action against the agency and Ms. Mirza for shooting on the masjid premises without permission. Initially, the police maintained that the masjid, being a historical monument, people went inside and took pictures. However, on Thursday the police registered a case under Section 448 of the IPC.

Ms. Mirza, now in Bangalore, tendered an apology to the Imam on Thursday.

She said: “It is with a deep sense of remorse that I would like to apologise to all my brothers and sisters and respected elders, who have been anguished by my unwittingly entering a portion of the land belonging to the Mecca Masjid, while filming the Charminar with the intention of promoting the heritage monument, which is symbolic of our city.

“While I am fully aware that a woman must not enter the sanctity of the mosque, I was unaware that even entering the outside gates was seriously objectionable, especially without permission, which I was assured by the agency they possessed. However, I would like to unequivocally render my apology to all my brothers and sisters for hurting their sentiments.”

A copy of the letter was released to the media.