Kashmir leader quits over sex scandal claims

Omar Abdullah, 38, delivered his resignation to the state governor after opposition member Muzaffar Hussain Beigh accused Omar of a connection to the prostitution scandal during a session of the state legislative assembly. Muzaffar served as the deputy chief minister in the previous government, when several top pro-India officials were arrested on charges they misused their authority to force girls and women into a prostitution ring in Kashmir.

Omar denied being involved in the scandal, but said he could not "continue in the office following the allegation" and would not serve again until he is cleared of the charges.

"This is not an ordinary allegation, but a highly serious one. I cannot continue in office until I am cleared," Omar said in the state assembly.