Mukhtar Ansari
– Photo: Amar Ujala
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Mafia Mukhtar Ansari, convicted in the 33 years, three months and 9 days old fake arms license case of Ghazipur, was presented in the court on Wednesday through video conferencing. As soon as the court of Special Judge Avnish Gautam of MP-MLA Court Varanasi pronounced the sentence, Mukhtar Ansari started pleading and sat holding his head in Banda jail.
Defense side said… Mukhtar is elderly, sick and in jail, gets less punishment
He described himself as sick and elderly. Also said that less punishment should be given. The court said that the crime is much bigger. Mukhtar Ansari’s advocate Srinath Tripathi said that the court has acquitted Mukhtar under Section 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The remaining sections are triable by a magistrate.
This court does not have jurisdiction to hear the question of punishment. It was also argued that the accused in the case did not commit any crime of his own accord nor was he tried together with the alleged co-accused. Considering the accused as a mere beneficiary, he has been convicted without any direct evidence. The accused is very old and ill. Has been in jail for many years. Therefore the accused should be punished with minimum punishment.
Prosecution said… Mukht has long criminal history, should get maximum punishment
The prosecution officer presented a chart of criminal history convictions against Mukhtar. Told the court that the courts have proved guilty in many cases including Gangster Act and murder.