On Friday, the Supreme Court noted the State of Uttar Pradesh's assurance to safeguard gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari while in jail.

This assurance came within a plea filed by his son, Umar Ansari, expressing grave concerns about the safety of his father's life. Mukhtar Ansari, convicted for murder and presently held at Banda Jail in Uttar Pradesh, faces what his son deems a "serious and imminent threat."

A bench comprising Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice Sanjay Karol granted Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj time to acquire instructions regarding the plea for transferring Ansari to a jail situated outside of Uttar Pradesh.

The writ petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution aims to transfer Ansari, a former MLA, to a jail located outside Uttar Pradesh. Umar Ansari's plea alleges that his family members have faced persecution by the State and cites reliable information indicating his father's life is in serious jeopardy. According to the plea, there exists a conspiracy within the state establishment to assassinate him while he is incarcerated in Banda jail.

Mukhtar Ansari stands accused in the murder case of BJP leader Krishnanand Rai, among other cases. The plea highlights that among those accused in the murder, four individuals have already been killed.

During today's hearing, Justice Karol highlighted that protection had previously been granted by the Allahabad High Court. He inquired, "What has changed since then?"

Sr. Adv. Kapil Sibal appearing for Ansari responded, "On 8th of June after this order was passed, another co-accused was killed, and that too in court.".

The Additional Solicitor General (ASG) opposed issuing a notice in the matter, expressing strong reservations about the jurisdiction of this case under Article 32. He stated, "I have serious concerns regarding the jurisdiction of this matter."

Kapil Sibal mentioned, "In Atiq Ahmad's case, the state made the same statement, and he was killed in broad daylight after approaching this court."

"Indeed, there's a distinction; however, he's in custody, Your Lordships," Sibal responded.

"But here, courts have granted your plea," Justice Karol remarked.

"That's not the focal point, My Lord. His co-accused, who are in custody, have been killed. It's unjust," Sibal emphasized.

Referring to a speech made on November 30, 2023, Sibal highlighted a direct threat to kill Ansari.

Umar Ansari's plea outlines a potential modus operandi for the assassination, suggesting that 'hired killers' might be apprehended by the police for a minor offense and brought to Banda Jail, where his father is held.