I’m thankful to Delhi & J&K Police, says Bilal Kawa

Srinagar, Feb 11 (Only Kashmir): Kashmiri businessman Bilal Ahmad Kawa who recently got bailed out has expressed gratitude to the Delhi Police “for being kind enough” during his detention. He also thanked Jammu and Kashmir Police “for being truthful” about his ‘reality’. Earlier, while seeking bail, Bilal’s advocate claimed that while many in the “troubled state of Jammu and Kashmir” say they are not a part of this country, the accused openly says he was an Indian, besides, providing Income Tax returns and sales tax details to prove he was not absconding.



Bilal described his detention by the Delhi Police as his “bad luck”. “This episode will not keep me away from Delhi. I have done no wrong. Why should I fear? I will keep coming to do my business here and prosper,” he said while talking a reputed daily The Hundu.
“I am thankful to the Delhi Police for being kind enough during the detention. I am also thankful to the J&K Police for being truthful about my reality.”
Bilal was arrested on January 10 this year from the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, New Delhi, by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police based on inputs from the Gujarat Anti-Terror Squad (ATS). He was accused of having a role in the 2001 Red Fort attack and was declared “wanted for 17 years”. However, a Delhi court granted him bail on February 8.
Additional Sessions Judge Sidharth Sharma also took on record the Income Tax Returns filed by Kawa, which, according to the accused, showed that he was not absconding.
While seeking bail, his advocate claimed that while many in the “troubled state of Jammu and Kashmir” say they are not a part of this country, the accused openly says he was an Indian.
Granting the relief, the court asked Kawa to furnish a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and a surety of the like amount. (OK)