JKHC directs CBI to take effective steps in sex racket case

Srinagar, June 9 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir High Court today expressed satisfaction at certain substantial steps taken by the CBI in the investigations into the sex racket case, but directed the agency to take more effective and concrete measures in view of its urgency and importance and submit a status report to it by June 15.

A division bench, comprising Justice Hakeem Imtiyaz Hussain and Justice Bashir Ahmed Kirmani, after perusing the case diaries and status report expressed satisfaction over certain substantial steps taken by the CBI in the investigations into the sex racket case which had rocked the Valley in the recent past.

However, the court said the CBI could not record the statements of two other girls allegedly involved in the scandal as the Principal District Judge, Anantnag was not available due to illness.

Giving directions on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Kashmir Bar Association (KBA), the bench nominated Principal District Judge, Pulwama Abdul Wahid as a judicial officer in addition to the Principal District Judge, Anantnag in whose presence the statements of the girls could be recorded.

The CBI Investigating Officer (IO) could contact any one of them, the court added.

The CBI informed the court about certain other important steps which the agency was contemplating to take in the case.

The bench directed that effective and concrete steps be taken in this regard and subsequently a report be submitted to it.

The court also asked the CBI to complete the investigation and interrogation of owners of the hotels and the guest houses as directed by it earlier.

The CBI should submit its report about the investigation and interrogation of owners of hotels and guest houses along with the steps taken towards compliance of previous court directions at the next date of hearing in the case, the bench said.

The court directed the CBI to submit a status report to it by June 15 in view of the urgency and importance of the case.

The case will come up for hearing again on June 19 at 1030 hrs.

Despite being on vacation from tomorrow till July three, the court will hear the sex racket case.

The sex racket case had been handed over to the CBI following allegations that politicians, bureaucrats besides senior police and paramilitary officials were involved in the scandal.

The High Court had first taken a suo motu cognisance of the sex racket and then admitted the PIL filed by the KBA.

UNI AG AK RS1833