Punjab defending gangster Mukhtar Ansari: UP to top court

New Delhi, February 8

The UP Government on Monday accused the Punjab Government of defending gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari — lodged in Ropar Jail for more than two years in connection with an alleged extortion case — saying he was “enjoying” life in the prison there.

“Ansari is being defended by Punjab. Serious cases of murder and other offences are being held up (in UP). Punjab is supporting a gangster,” Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told a Bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan on behalf of UP. Mehta said, “Punjab says Ansari is suffering from depression. Ansari says he belongs to a family of freedom fighters. He is a gangster…Why should Punjab support him.” — TNS