After evading arrest, ex J-K Minister claims innocence

A day after he was asked by J-K high court to appear before police, former state minister Shabir Ahmad Khan, who has been evading arrest in a sexual assault case, today came out of hiding claiming innocence and said the charge was aimed at spoiling his political career.
"These allegations are false and aimed at spoiling my political image and career. I am innocent...101 per cent innocent," the Congress legislator, who had to quit from the Omar Abdullah government in the wake of the allegations, told reporters here.
The former minister expressed hope of getting justice from the court, saying he will cooperate with the police.

"I am here to give my statement to the investigating team on the directions of the court. I will fully cooperate with them. I am hopeful of getting justice from the court," he said.
Asked as to why he went into a "hiding" after submitting his resignation last week, Khan, against whom an arrest warrant was issued on Monday, said he was not hiding and as a citizen had the the right to approach courts.
"I was in touch with the media. I have been talking to some media persons and have also issued a statement. As a citizen I have a right to go to court to prove my innocence. And God willing, I will be proved innocent," he said.

Khan said he resigned from the council of ministers on the party's advice" and to enable a "free and fair probe" into the matter.
The MLA, against whom a doctor had registered a complaint of sexual harassment on February 6, was yesterday directed by Jammu and Kashmir High Court to present himself before police.
The court also issued directions to investigating officer to release Khan on personal bond in case the politician was arrested.