Cricketer’s father-in-law granted bail in assault case in Mumbai

Mumbai: A sessions court granted bail to former cricketer Yusuf Pathan's father-in-law Khaliq Khan (66) who was arrested on charges of assault. The court said considering the nature of vague allegations against the applicant, his age and the stage of investigation, it is just and proper to grant regular bail to the applicant, subject to conditions.The alleged incident took place late last month when Yusuf Khan, a local resident, was returning home in his car. His vehicle drove through a puddle, accidentally splashing water on Shoaib Pathan, Khaliq's son. Although Yusuf allegedly stopped to apologise, Shoaib, in a fit of anger, is said to have assaulted him and damaged his car's windshield.Following the incident, Yusuf informed his family, who urged him to file a police complaint. Later, when Yusuf and his relatives were stepping out of their residential building, Shoaib, along with Khaliq and and his other son Umarshad, allegedly confronted them again and assaulted Yusuf and his brother Salman using bamboo sticks. Based on Yusuf's complaint, Byculla police station arrested the three accused, including Khaliq, who were sent to judicial custody.The court, presided over by Additional Sessions Judge Anil Salunkhe, observed that the applicant was not present during the initial altercation and noted his advanced age and the stage of investigation. The court also recorded that the injured persons had been discharged from hospital and no further recovery was pending.Allowing the bail plea, the court directed the accused to be released on a personal bond of Rs 15,000 with surety. It also imposed conditions restraining him from influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence.