Tuesday(12th March): Former Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA Mukhtar Ansari has been convicted in a 34-year-old case by a special MP/MLA court. The case revolves around allegations of forging the signatures of the district magistrate and superintendent of police to obtain an arms license. Ansari awaits sentencing following the court’s verdict.
Varanasi: The special MP/MLA court has convicted notorious gangster and former Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA Mukhtar Ansari in a case dating back 34 years. Ansari stands accused of forging the signatures of the then-District Magistrate (DM) and superintendent of police (SP) of Ghazipur to obtain an arms license for a double-barreled gun.
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Special Judge (MP/MLA) Avnish Gautam pronounced Ansari guilty under sections 467, 468, and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), along with section 30 of the Arms Act.
Background
The incident took place in Ghazipur in 1987 when the accused applied for a double-barreled gun license from Alok Ranjan, who was the Ghazipur DM at the time. During the court proceedings, former Ghazipur DM Jagan Mathews testified that upon assuming office, the then SP of Ghazipur alerted him to irregularities in the issuance of arms licenses. Following an inquiry, it was discovered that these licenses were issued during the tenure of former DM Alok Ranjan and former SP Devraj Nagar. Subsequently, a request was made to the state government for a thorough investigation. This led to a year-long CB-CID investigation, and in December 1990, Ashfaq Ahmed, an additional SP with CB-CID, filed an FIR against Ansari, Lal, and others involved in the case.
A trial commenced with several key witnesses, notably Alok Ranjan and Devraj Nagar, both holding high-ranking positions at the time: Ranjan as the Ghazipur DM, later ascending to become the chief secretary of UP, and Nagar as the Ghazipur SP, subsequently appointed as the UP DGP. The pivotal moment in the trial came with the testimony of a signature expert, whose analysis revealed discrepancies in the signatures on the license sanction letter, discrediting their authenticity.
Shukla, the prosecution officer, highlighted the severity of the charges, indicating the potential for a life imprisonment sentence under the relevant section of the IPC. He affirmed their intent to advocate for the maximum punishment.
Vinay Singh, additional district government counsel (criminal) at Varanasi MP/MLA court, emphasized the gravity of Ansari’s convictions and expressed the prosecution’s intention to seek the harshest penalty permissible under the law.
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Senior advocate Shreenath Tripathi, representing Ansari, presented two primary arguments before the court. Firstly, he contended that the case did not fall within the ambit of the anti-corruption act, citing its non-existence at the time of the alleged incident. Secondly, he asserted that Ansari’s involvement was limited to applying for an arms license at the DM’s office, emphasizing its confidential nature.
Tripathi argued that Ansari was unaware of any subsequent manipulation of his application. Additionally, he highlighted the separate consideration of Ansari’s involvement in the conspiracy, particularly noting the demise of the arms clerk allegedly implicated in the conspiracy during the trial.”
Although the case originated in Ghazipur, it was transferred to a Varanasi court due to the involvement of Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, as several officials were implicated. Key witnesses, including Alok Ranjan and Devraj Nagar, testified during the trial. Notably, forensic analysis confirmed that the signatures on the license sanction letter were forged.
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Given the severity of the charges, Ansari faces the possibility of life imprisonment. Udayraj Shukla, the special prosecution officer, expressed his determination to seek the maximum punishment.
Vinay Singh, additional district government counsel (criminal) at Varanasi MP/MLA court, reiterated the prosecution’s stance, emphasizing the gravity of Ansari’s offenses.
In his defense, Ansari’s legal counsel, Shreenath Tripathi, argued that the case did not fall under the purview of the anti-corruption act and highlighted the confidential nature of the application process for arms licenses.
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The conviction of Mukhtar Ansari marks a significant milestone in the legal pursuit of justice, underscoring the consequences of criminal activities even after decades.
