JBA demands transfer of sex racket case to winter capital

Jammu, July 1 (UNI) The strike by lawyers in Jammu region demanding transfer of the case, from Srinagar to the winter capital, against two former Jammu and Kashmir ministers--Ghulam Ahmad Mir and Raman Mattoo-- allegedly involved in the sex racket entered its third day today.

The Kashmir Bar Association (KBA) had announced that no lawyer from the valley will fight the case against the accused.

The agitated lawyers staged a dharna and burnt Kashmir Bar Associaltion (KBA) chairman Abdul Qayaum in effigy in front of the court premises.

The Jammu Bar Association (JBA) has demanded transfer of the high-profile sex scandal case, registered and tried by Srinagar, to the winter capital.

They said the KBA's decision amounts to denial of 'right to defence of accused'.

JBA president V R Wazir in a statement said,'' The atmosphere in Srinagar turned undemocratic and threatening.'' He urged Jammu and Kashmir Chief Justice B A Khan to ensure impartial and fearless proceeding of the case.

''The advocates appearing in defence should be provided adequate security,'' he said.

The CBI has filed chargesheets against 16 people including two former ministers and sitting legislators, former state Additional Advocate General, former principal secratary to Chief Mininster and Border Security Forces DIG in the sex racket.

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