It has been over three months since the death of gangster Mukhtar Ansari, with his family consistently alleging that he was poisoned in jail. During the Supreme Court hearing of a 2023 petition filed by Mukhtar Ansari’s son, Umar Ansari, senior advocate Kapil Sibal raised concerns about the custodial death. A bench comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti is overseeing the case.
Sibal noted that he had previously approached the Supreme Court, expressing fears for Mukhtar Ansari’s life while he was in Banda jail. With Mukhtar Ansari’s death in March, Sibal argued that the original petition is now ineffective and sought permission to amend it. The Supreme Court issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government in response to Umar Ansari’s request to amend the petition. The Court will decide whether to accept the amended petition after reviewing the UP government’s response.
During the hearing, Kapil Sibal emphasized that Mukhtar Ansari was taken back to jail and subsequently died, insisting that an investigation is necessary, alleging that he was poisoned. Justice Roy remarked that while the court cannot reverse the death, Sibal argued that such treatment of individuals is unacceptable in the country. ASG Nataraj stated that the initial demands of the petition had been resolved. However, Sibal contended that the petitioner’s fears were realized with Ansari’s death.
Justice Roy noted that Sibal’s argument suggested that the convicted prisoner was denied essential medical treatment in jail, leading to his death in custody. The court thus issued a notice on the request to amend the writ petition. Sibal reiterated the allegation that Mukhtar Ansari’s food was poisoned in jail, stressing the necessity of an investigation into the matter.
