Take Mukhtar Ansari back by April 8, UP Police told

Jupinderjit Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 3

Clearing the decks for the transfer of Uttar Pradesh gangster-turned-MLA Mukhtar Ansari from the Ropar jail, the Punjab Home Department has asked the UP Police to shift him by April 8.

In a letter to the UP Home Department, it said in pursuance of the Supreme Court’s orders to transfer Ansari to Banda Jail in UP by April 8, the police should, however, make necessary arrangements keeping in view his medical condition.

It asked the UP Government to ensure Ansari’s presence before a Mohali court via video conferencing on April 12, the next date of hearing in a criminal case. The Mohali police had booked Ansari for allegedly threatening a Punjab businessman over the phone for ransom.

Punjab had not allowed Ansari’s transfer to UP for almost two years citing his medical condition. Apart from doctors at the Ropar jail, a Board of Doctors at the PGI, Chandigarh, had also said Ansari had a heart ailment and severe backache.

Two days ago, a Mohali court declined Ansari’s plea for his fresh medical examination from the board as he was in medical distress.

Ansari’s case had brought Punjab and UP police at loggerheads. Ansari was brought to the Ropar jail on production remand for investigation. However, when the UP Police later sought his transfer back, the Jail Department declined, saying doctors had advised bed rest for Ansari due to ailment and hence could not be allowed to travel.

The UP Police had sought his transfer back due to pending cases against him in the state. The UP Government alleged Punjab was protecting Ansari due to his connection with top Congress leaders.

Opposition parties in Punjab alleged Ansari was kept as a state guest in the jail where he was provided all facilities. The matter reached the Supreme Court, which on March 26 ordered Ansari’s transfer to the UP jail in two weeks.