After the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Srinagar issued a warrant for his arrest on Saturday in a sexual assault case, the Jammu and Kashmir police have launched a manhunt for Congress MLA and former Health Minister Shabir Ahmad Khan, who has reportedly gone into hiding.
On Friday, a case of sexual assault was registered against Mr. Khan at the Shaheed Gunj police station in Srinagar, on the complaint of a woman doctor.
In Srinagar, senior advocate B.S. Slathia filed a bail petition in the court of additional District and Sessions Judge who listed it for disposal on February 10.
In the afternoon, a Srinagar police team arrived in Jammu. “Police have launched a manhunt for the MLA but he was untraced till late on Saturday evening,” said an official source.
In Srinagar, members of the Doctors Association of Kashmir said a strike was observed in most of the hospitals in protest against the former Minister. A section of medical professionals demanded exemplary action against Mr. Khan and a thorough investigation.
The Kashmir Centre for Social and Development Studies demanded sacking of all tainted Ministers and government functionaries accused of any criminal conduct, including shameful acts of sexual harassment, and “abuse of powers in the present government.”
