JNM Journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Monday declared himself completely innocent in the case of alleged financial misappropriation at the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association. The three-time Chief Minister appeared virtually before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court in Srinagar, where the court formally read out the points of the charge sheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Responding to the court’s questions, Dr. Farooq Abdullah stated that he understood all the allegations but did not accept any of them. He categorically stated, “I am not guilty of any of the charges. All these allegations are fabricated.”
The case relates to the alleged misuse of funds by the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association. According to the CBI charge sheet, the alleged misappropriation of funds amounting to over 43 crore rupees is related to a grant given to the association by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
It is noteworthy that in the previous hearing on March 12, the court had cancelled the non-bailable warrant issued against Dr. Farooq Abdullah. His application for exemption from appearance had previously been rejected. The 88-year-old Abdullah had described himself as a high-risk medical category, citing his age and health problems.
During the hearing, he also mentioned the attack on him in Jammu on March 11. Earlier, on March 2, the court had held that prima facie charges were made out against him under sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 406 (criminal breach of trust), and 409 (criminal breach of trust by a public servant) of the Ranbir Penal Code.
In addition to Dr. Farooq Abdullah, the then-JKCA general secretary Mohammad Salim Khan, treasurer Ahsan Ahmed Mirza, Manzoor Gazanfar Ali, Jammu and Kashmir Bank officials Bashir Ahmed Misgar, and Gulzar Ahmed Beg are also accused in the case. The court has framed charges against the other accused.
At present, everyone’s eyes are fixed on the next hearing in this much-talked-about case, where the further legal process will be decided.
