Indian court frames charges against Shabbir Shah’s wife in fake case
Indian court frames charges against Shabbir Shah’s wife in fake case
New Delhi: In another instance of political victimization in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, a Delhi court has ordered framing of charges against Bilquies Shah, wife of incarcerated senior APHC leader Shabbir Ahmad Shah, in a 19-year-old fake case.
According to Kashmir Media service, Additional Sessions Judge Shefali Barnala Tandon ordered framing of charges against Bilquies Shah under the so-called Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
“At the stage of charge, the court is required to assess whether the material placed on record discloses a grave suspicion against the accused warranting framing of charge,” the judge said adding that the Enforcement Directorate’s “relied upon documents, and statements of the witnesses.
The court posted the matter for formal framing of charges on May 20. Charges have already been framed against Shabbir Shah and Aslam Wani in November 2017.
Observers and rights groups have termed the case politically motivated, aimed at punishing the family of Shabbir Shah — who has been languishing in Delhi’s Tihar Jail for years for his role in the Kashmir freedom movement. They said New Delhi is using its agencies like the ED and draconian laws to target pro-freedom leaders, their families, and intimidate the people of IIOJK.
