"There is no question of an out of court settlement" - Iqbal Sharma

There is some bad news for Saif Ali Khan. South Africa-based Indian businessman Iqbal Sharma whom he allegedly punched ten months ago at a luxury hotel in Munbai, is in no mood for an out-of-court settlement.

Iqbal and his wife actress Tarina Patel have been on a holiday cruise for the past few weeks. On landing in Florida on Saturday, Iqbal was informed of the charge-sheet that has been filed against Saif and his friends who were allegedly involved in the brawl where Iqbal and his father-in-law were allegedly assaulted.

Speaking exclusively, Iqbal Sharma said, "There is no question of any settlement. We're taking the matter to its logical conclusion. My wife and I are happy to see the law take its course. In fact we're pleasantly surprised to see the case moving ahead at a brisk pace. We will co-operate in every possible way and ensure we're in India whenever we are needed. We will be in India at the end of January or earlier if required."

Iqbal says it is very important to not highlight Saif Ali Khan alone as the alleged offender. "Saif Ali Khan is being singled out. He did assault me first, and to that extent he is the main culprit. But his friends had also joined him. So they are likely to be equally culpable."

Iqbal says he is ready to see the case to its culmination. "It was not just me. My wife's father was also assaulted. So there's no question of a compromise. We've complete faith in the Indian judiciary. We want to see the guilty punished. We won't opt for an out of court settlement. Not that anyone from the other side has approached us..."