Deputy Superintendent of Police (SC/ST cell) R M Rathod, who is investigating the allegations against the PSI, said that the remand hearing would be held on January 1, 1999, after the district and sessions court disposes of a permanent bail application moved by the accused.

The district police moved the Shinor court after a similar application was rejected by Additional District Judge Y H Sikh on Tuesday on the grounds that it was outside his jurisdiction. The judge, however, granted interim bail to the PSI.

What has raised many eyebrows is the district police's failure to arrest Chaudhary, though he had been declared an absconder by the Dabhoi court. Moreover, the disgraced police inspector apparently had easy access to FIRs filed in the Shinor court against the victim for incorporation in his court petition.

When asked to explain why the police could not track down the absconder, Rathod simply replied, ``The police tried its best to arrest the PSI, while the accused tried his best to evade arrest''.

On how Chaudhary managed to get hold of copies of FIRs while on the run, Rathod retorted, ``That is for the PSI to explain.'' He added, ``Besides, even the counsel can procure such documents for his client''.

Meanwhile, in a brief talk with Express Newsline, the accused said, ``I'm totally innocent. The allegations against me are trumped up''.

Chaudhary had come to Nyay Mandir at 11.30 a.m. to present himself before the district court, one of the conditions on which he was granted interim bail.