Against the backdrop of gangster-turned-politician Atique Ahmed's killing, the Allahabad High Court on Monday directed the UP DGP to beef up the security of jailed politician Mukhtar Ansari. Also, the court directed the top police officials to restrict media from taking interviews while he was on the way to the court.
Notably, the latest order came as Ansari will be produced in the court.
The court said, "It was not averse to the media taking interviews of undertrial prisoners. But in view of the recent incident of the murder of undertrial prisoners by criminals disguised as media personnel, this restriction has to be imposed in the interest of the safety of the prisoner, which is being heard by the Supreme Court."
Mukhtar's wife says her husband may be killed
The order was issued by the division bench of Justice Dr KJ Thakar and Justice Shivshankar Prasad on a plea filed by Mukhtar Ansari's wife Afsan Ansari. The petitioner sought protection from the high court over fears that her husband may be killed outside the jail on the day of his production in court.
It is worth mentioning that Ansari is currently lodged in Banda Jail. DSP Mohammadabad filed an affidavit and told the court that the police and jail authorities are taking utmost care regarding the security of Mukhtar Ansari. "Security measures have been taken inside and outside the jail. An inspector, two sub-inspectors, two head constables, 8 constables, and two drivers have been deployed for security," said the DSP. According to a report submitted by SP Ghazipur, maximum security is being provided to Ansari.
(With inputs from agency)
