Srinagar, Feb. 21 -- The J&K High Court on Tuesday rejected the bail application of a Councillor of the Municipal Council Baramulla alleged of being involved in cheating, extortion and many other offences.

The councillor, Ashiq Hussain Ganai, according to the prosecution, claimed to wield high bureaucratic and political influence. He had extorted lakhs of rupees from an acquaintance in exchange for the release of his (acquaintance's) brother, lodged in a Haraya jail for "killing an army-man".

The victim had filed an application before Senior Superintendent of Police, Baramulla, against the councillor and his accomplice Manzoor Ahmad Bhat.

"Three persons - the bail applicant councillor, Manzoor Ahmad Bhat and Ashiq Hussain Lone - claimi...