Khan’s bribery case set for June 1

Deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington yesterday announced the date for the start of the inquiry which is expected to last five days.

Khan, the former Works and Transport Minister, is charged with six counts of misconduct in public office.

He is accused of accepting cheques totalling $120,000 as bribes from PNM councillor Dhansam Dansook to secure contracts for labour, security and transport for Terra Seis Limited—a company engaged in seismic surveys in the south eastern peninsula.

Khan resigned his ministerial post and position as chairman of the PNM after the allegations surfaced. He is on $250,000 bail.

When the matter was called in the San Fernando First Magistrates’ Court yesterday, special prosecutor Peter Thornton QC told the court he intends to call ten witnesses to testify on behalf of the State.

In response to a question from Wellington, Thornton explained the hearings might last five days.

Following discussions with Khan’s attorneys, Gilbert Peterson SC, Sophia Chote and Gillian Lucky, the parties agreed to an adjournment to May 31, when they will inform Wellington on whether all would be in place for the scheduled start.

Thornton, who is being assisted by state attorney George Busby, promised yesterday to make disclosures of documents to the defence within the next two weeks.

Khan, dressed in a navy blue suit, and accompanied by his wife Laura, left the court smiling, as usual. PNM supporters clad in red jerseys greeted him.

The inquiry is due to start June 1.