However, Sharma’s statement has brought back to the political centre stage the sex abuse scandal — first reported by The Indian Express — and the J&K High Court’s observations regarding laxity in the CBI probe into the matter.

On October 8, 2007, the court had named state Transport Minister Hakeem Yaseen, MLAs Ghulam Hassan Khan and Yogesh Sawnhey, top ranking police and civilian officers against whom no action was taken.

Although Tara Chand or Perzada Mohammad Sayeed were not named in the High Court order, it had indicated that there was evidence against other top functionaries of the Government and directed the CBI to conduct a focused investigation into the case.

Meanwhile, Sharma has left for Delhi after being summoned by the high command. Sources said Azad had also left for Delhi apparently to discuss the matter, though his visit was being connected to his engagement with the Karnataka campaign for the next three days. Senior Congress leader Mangat Ram Sharma had also been asked to come to Delhi.