The first hearing in a civil case filed by a Dubai woman claiming that the father of Miss World 2000 sexually abused her as a child will be held in Bareilly, India, on March 2. Shivani Saxena, 37, has alleged that Asoke Chopra indecently assaulted her when she was 12 years old and threatened to kill her if she told anybody.

Chopra, whose daughter Priyanka won the Miss World crown in November, denies the claims and says he will file criminal charges against Saxena, her husband Rajiv, and "Savvy", an Indian magazine which published the allegation, in Bareilly district court.

Shivani claims the incident occurred when her army officer father was moved to Ferozpur. Chopra was then a junior officer and frequently visited Shivani. She said, "I was shocked to see the same man on television during his daughter Priyanka's Miss World 2000 crowning ceremony.

"I have had to live with the bad memories. I related the incident to my husband before we got married. I have his full backing in the legal battle against Chopra. "Initially I just wanted a private apology from Chopra in front of my family, but when that didn't happen I had no other choice but to take the matter to court.

"The first hearing is due on March 2. I won't be going unless required. I did receive some feelers from the Chopras who wanted to submit an apology, but now it is too late. Now the news is out in the media. I cannot do anything," Shivani said.

Asoke Chopra told Gulf News in Mumbai that the allegations were "bizarre and a total concoction". "I have full support from my army friends who served with me. They have agreed to stand as witnesses. I would like to wrap up this entire affair fast. I have served the army as a dedicated soldier and have led a disciplined life. I have a beautiful wife who is a doctor, and lovely kids. Why should I do anything like that?"

He said his family's nightmare began with anonymous telephone threats from Dubai last November 1, warning not to send their daughter to the Miss World competition or face dire consequences.

"I just ignored them and did not inform Priyanka as it might have brought down her morale. I had no idea that I would be charged with sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl." Chopra said it was impossible for the alleged sexual abuse to have taken place. At one of the barracks, a round-the-clock police guard would have prevented any such incident. The other scene of the alleged assault was a mess room used by up to 50 officers.

"The mess had only one bar room and an open inter-connected ante room with four doors and six large windows where rape would be possible only by a gang of the entire mess staff and all officers.

"The mess did not remain unattended at any given time. Children were especially not allowed to come to the mess." When the case is over he plans to work for the welfare of men who are exploited by unscrupulous women.