SRINAGAR : Assuring full cooperation with police investigation in sexual assault case against him, former State Health Minister Shabir Ahmad Khan said he was innocent.
“I have faith in judiciary to get justice,” said Khan, who arrived here from Jammu following direction by the Srinagar wing of the High Court to appear before police Investigation Officer (IO) here today.
However, court has directed the police to release Khan on a personal bond of Rs 25,000 in case he is arrested.
Khan told reporters immediately after landing here from Jammu that he was not absconding. ‘I was with my people during all these days,’ he said adding that he approached the court to use his right.
‘I applied for bail which is my right, he said adding he has full faith in judiciary to get justice.
Khan will appear before the IO anytime during the day. Khan, who resigned as health minister in the coalition National Conference and Congress ministry after a case was registered on February 6 on a complaint by a lady doctor in police station Shaheed Gunj here, said he will fully cooperate with investigation.
‘It was a conspiracy to defame me and against my political carrier,’ Khan alleged.
When asked why he was evading arrest, Khan said ,’I was using my right for bail. However, he denied that he was absconding.’ I was with my people during all these days,’ he said.
Yesterday a single bench of the Srinagar wing of the High Court comprising Justice J R Kotwal directed Khan to appear before the investigation officer by this evening. However, the court asked police to release him on personal bond of Rs 25000 in case he is arrested.
However, Khan was directed not to leave state by Justice Kotwal who passed the order on the anticipatory bail plea Khan presented by his counsel. A case was registered against Khan on a complaint filed by a lady doctor, who alleged that Khan made an attempt to molest her in his chamber in the Civil Secretariat on January 28.
Later Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, issued a non bailable warrant against Khan on February 7 Governor N N Vohra accepted the resignation of Khan on the recommendation of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. On Monday, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Mubarak Gul had given his nod to arrest Khan, who represents Rajouri in the House.
Counsels for Khan had filed the bail application before Justice J R Kotwal in the Srinagar wing of High Court on Monday.
However, Justice Kotwal, who heard the application, directed the state to file a response by Tuesday and listed the case for hearing on Wednesday. Khan had earlier moved an application in the Jammu wing of the High Court, seeking to file anticipatory bail application which was turned down.
He was asked to file bail application in Srinagar, where a case has been filed against him. (AGENCIES)
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