REEAZ Khan, the 36-year-old city businessman involved in a controversial sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl, appeared in Court yesterday, charged with abducting her.
Before Senior Magistrate Melissa Robertson-Ogle at Wales, West Bank Demerara, where the criminal charge was read to him, the defendant was ordered to post $100,000 cash bail.
Particulars of the offence alleged said Khan, last May 21, unlawfully took the unmarried teen under the age of 16 against her will, out of the possession of her mother, Bibi Shameeza Hamid and without her consent, at Wales.
The defendant, who operates Reeaz Trading Enterprise at Lot 37 Camp Street, Georgetown and lives at Lot 51 Eccles, East Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Attorney-at-law Mr Vic Puran, who made the successful application for Khan's pre-trial freedom, said the latter has cooperated fully with Hamid's lawyer, Mr Nigel Hughes, to ensure that the matter is resolved amicably.
But Hughes declared that he does not want a settlement.
Puran said Khan attended voluntarily and assured the Court there is no prospect of him repeating the offence.
Hughes said he had no objection to the bail grant and his only concern was for the speedy commencement of the trial.
He said he is not fearful that the defendant would flee the country because he has no evidence of the likelihood.
Mrs. Robertson-Ogle warned Khan that he is required to attend on all Court dates and failure to do so would result in an arrest warrant being issued for him.
June 24 has been set for the receipt of statements in the case.
Outside the Wales courtroom, Khan reminded reporters that he has filed proceedings in the High Court seeking permission to marry the 13-year-old who is currently under Police protection by order of Justice B.S. Roy.