Former cricketer Yusuf Pathan’s father-in-law seeks bail in road rage assault case

Mumbai: The 66-year-old father-in-law of former Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan has approached a sessions court seeking bail in connection with a road rage assault case, citing his advanced age and alleging that he has been falsely implicated due to a longstanding property dispute with the complainant.In his bail application, Khaliq Khan, claimed that the altercation was primarily between his son Shoaib Pathan and the complainant, Yusuf Khan. According to his plea, he and his other son, Umarshad, had intervened only to pacify the situation but were instead subjected to abuse. The court has scheduled the matter for hearing on Monday.The incident reportedly took place late last month when Yusuf Khan was returning home in his car. As per the complaint, his vehicle drove through a puddle, accidentally splashing water on Shoaib Pathan. 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 Pathan, along with Khaliq Khan and Umarshad—a builder—allegedly confronted them again. The trio is accused of assaulting Yusuf and his brother Salman using bamboo sticks.Based on Yusuf Khan's complaint, an FIR was registered at the Byculla Police Station, leading to the arrest of the three accused. On April 21, the court remanded them to judicial custody.In his defence, Khaliq Khan stated that on the night of the incident, he had received information that his son Umarshad was being attacked with bamboo sticks by the complainant's uncle, Zaki Siddiqui, who allegedly has a pending criminal case. The defence further noted that a cross-complaint has also been filed against Yusuf Khan and Zaki for allegedly causing injuries.Advocate Pratap Nimbalkar, representing the complainant, is expected to intervene in the proceedings and oppose the bail application.The court will hear arguments from both sides before deciding on the bail plea.