SC allows jailed MLA Abbas Ansari to attend father Mukhtar’s fatiha ritual today

The UP government’s counsel pointed out that Abbas Ansari is a history-sheeter with over 11 cases pending against him and in the event of grant of interim bail, there is a likelihood of him threatening witnesses and/or causing other law and order problems. The counsel referred to his alleged unlawful activities in jail and the reasons that compelled the authorities to shift him from Chitrakoot jail to Kasganj jail.

Taking note of the apprehension of maintenance of law and order, the Supreme Court directed that he “shall be taken from Kasganj jail to his hometown Ghazipur in police custody and with adequate security”, and asked the Director General of Police of Uttar Pradesh “to do the needful in this regard”.

“Keeping in view, the distance between the two places, it is directed that the police authorities in coordination with jail authorities will ensure that the petitioner starts his journey today (Tuesday) at the earliest, but not later than 5 pm,” the court said and added that after completion of the rituals, Abbas should be temporarily shifted to the local jail in Ghazipur.

The court also asked the Ghazipur district administration to verify if there are other rituals to take place from April 11.