Srinagar, Feb 13, KNT: Former Jammu and Kashmir minister Shabir Ahmed Khan presented himself before police in Srinagar in connection with a sexual assault case after securing interim relief from a court, according to a report.
The court had directed Khan to appear before the Investigating Officer handling the case following allegations by a lady doctor, who lodged a complaint at Shaheed Ganj police station.
Khan had been reported absent since the allegations surfaced. Speaking to reporters after arriving at the Circuit House in Srinagar from Jammu, he said he presented himself before the police after obtaining bail.
“Bail is the right of every citizen and soon after securing it I presented myself before the police,” Khan said.
He denied the allegations, describing them as “baseless” and said he expected justice from the court.
“It is a conspiracy against me. The charges leveled against me are frivolous and false. I am 101 percent innocent,” he said, adding that his political image had been damaged.
Khan also rejected claims that he had been absconding, stating that he remained in contact with media during the period in question.
“I was not absconding but in touch with media. I spoke to some media persons on telephone and my statements appeared in a section of newspapers,” he said.
Responding to questions about his resignation, Khan said he stepped down on the instructions of his party to ensure a fair probe into the allegations.
“Every citizen has the right to move a bail application. I secured bail and presented myself before the police,” he said when asked about the delay in his appearance.
Officials said that after spending some time at the Circuit House, Khan appeared at Shaheed Ganj police station and recorded his statement in connection with the case.
Further proceedings in the matter are subject to investigation and court process. [KNT]
