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Abbas Ansari, a legislator from Mau in Uttar Pradesh, has been granted bail by the Supreme Court in two separate cases involving charges of money laundering and illegal activities while incarcerated. The bail, however, comes with stipulations, and Ansari remains in custody pending a decision on a third case against him under the Gangster Act.
Ansari, son of notorious gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, was first arrested in November 2022 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on allegations of money laundering. The ED accused Ansari of using two companies to launder cash, leading to his detention. The Supreme Court, while granting bail in this case, acknowledged concerns raised by the ED regarding Ansari's potential influence on witnesses and tampering with evidence. The court, however, left the determination of specific bail conditions to the special PMLA court, ensuring measures are in place to prevent any interference with the ongoing investigation.
The second case against Ansari involved allegations of illegal meetings with his wife while he was incarcerated at the Chitrakoot jail. The state government claimed that Ansari's wife, who is currently out on bail, repeatedly visited him illegally, smuggling a phone into the jail for him. The state further alleged that Ansari used this phone to threaten witnesses and extort money, leading to his arrest in February 2023 while he was serving a sentence related to the ED case. The Supreme Court, citing the completion of investigation and Ansari's lengthy incarceration, granted bail in this case but emphasized the need for jail reforms and instructed Ansari to cooperate with the investigation and attend trial.
However, a third case against Ansari, registered under the Gangster Act, remains unresolved. This case, filed in January 2023, accuses Ansari, his wife, and four others of operating an organized crime racket from within the Chitrakoot jail. The state government, following a raid that uncovered Ansari's wife's illegal entry into the jail, transferred Ansari to Kasganj jail, where he is currently detained. The Supreme Court, while acknowledging the seriousness of the charges against Ansari, directed him to approach the Allahabad High Court for bail in this particular case. The court emphasized the importance of following the proper legal channels and urged the high court to make a decision on Ansari's bail plea within four weeks.
The Supreme Court's decision to grant bail in the two cases against Ansari highlights the ongoing legal battles he faces. While his release in these cases is imminent, the Gangster Act case remains a significant hurdle. The outcome of this case will determine whether Ansari is finally released from custody. The case also underscores the complexities of legal proceedings involving high-profile individuals, particularly those with alleged connections to organized crime. The judicial process, with its varying levels of scrutiny and procedural complexities, often plays out over extended periods, leading to prolonged legal battles and public attention.
Source: Mau MLA Abbas Ansari gets bail in 2 cases from SC, told to approach HC in 3rd