Former Health Minister granted bail by High Court in sexual assault case

SRINAGAR : The State High Court today granted bail to former Health Minister Shabir Ahmad Khan in sexual assault case.
Earlier, on February 12 Mr Khan was granted interim bail. However, he was asked to appear before Investigation Officer (IO), of police station Shaheed Gunj, who was directed to release him (Khan) on personal bond of Rs 25,000 in case he is arrested.
A single bench of the High Court, comprising Justice J R Kotwal today confirmed the bail to Mr Khan. A case was registered against Mr 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 (CJM) Srinagar, issued a non bailable warrant against Khan on February 7. Counsels for Khan had filed the bail application before Justice J R Kotwal in the Srinagar wing of High Court on February 10.
However, Justice Kotwal, who heard the application, directed the state to file a response by February 11 and listed the case for hearing on February 12. 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.
He recorded his statement and pleaded innocence and alleged that he was being falsely implicated in the case. He was released on personal bond of Rs 25,000 after recording his statement.
Governor N N Vohra accepted the resignation of Khan on the recommendation of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
On February 10, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Mubarak Gul had given his nod to arrest Khan, who represents Rajouri in the House. (AGENCIES)

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