Indian official denies assault
2006-03-15 09:37
Melbourne - A masseur with India's Commonwealth Games team claimed he was innocent on Wednesday after being granted bail on charges of indecent assault and unlawful assault.
Dewan Nabi, 35, appeared at Melbourne Magistrates Court over an alleged incident on Monday morning in the Games village, which has rocked India's preparations. He will reappear in court on Friday.
Police charge that he assaulted a 16-year-old cleaner in his room in the village where athletes and officials from the 71 competing teams stay.
"He has been charged with indecent assault and assault - two counts," said Victorian Police Commissioner Christine Nixon.
"At this stage he is still in the village but under the control of the management of his team."
Passport confiscated
The man, who does not speak English, has been suspended from team duties and had his passport confiscated. He faces up to two years in jail if found guilty.
"He came to Melbourne as part of the team but he will not function in the role of a masseur and he won't until we can clear up this particular incident," said Indian general team manager Gurbir Singh.
"If the allegations are proven we will take the harshest possible action against the person involved.
"Unfortunately this incident has been reported at a time when the whole focus is on the Games, and it has somewhat taken away from our preparations."
Nabi's lawyer Paul Horvath said his client maintained he was innocent.
"My client denies the allegations and we just want to let the justice process now follow its natural course," Horvath told reporters.
It was not the start that Commonwealth Games organisers were hoping for, with 10 years of planning and preparations for the event overshadowed by the incident on Monday.