Masseur Asghar Nabi's bail extended till Friday

Melbourne, Mar 15 (UNI) Disgraced Indian masseur Dewan Asghar Nabi, who vehemently denied charges of sexually assaulting an Australian teenager, got a reprieve today as the Melbourne Magistrate's court extended his bail till Friday.

Nabi appeared in the court this morning and denied charges of sexually assaulting a teenager girl at Commonwealth Games Village on March 13.

Magistrate Paul Smith extended Nabi's bail till Friday.

Nabi, who spoke through a interpreter, said he was innocent and does not know why he was being framed.

Nabi's lawyer, Paul Horvath, said, ''My client denies allegations of sexual assault and now we want to let the justice process follow its natural course.'' Interestingly, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) yesterday had decided to ask Nabi to leave the village but his bail conditions state that he resides at the Games village, notifies police within 24 hours of any change of his address and must not be seen anywhere near the international airport or any other international point of departure.

The city police has filed a case against Nabi alleging that he had assaulted a 16-year-old village cleaner.

Chef de mission H J Dora, who also attencded the court proceedings, later said that Nabi would not be staying at the Village and other arrangements have been made for his accommodation effective immediately.

Nabi's status will be determined by the court and further notifications will be given following the outcome of the hearing.

Mr Dora said the Indian team members are focused on their participation in these games in the spirit of unity and friendship.

''We have come here for the sports. This is the incident Australian police has brought to the court. So the process of law will take its course. We will await the outcome of the process,'' he added.

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