UP says Punjab sheltering gangster, seeks custody

The Uttar Pradesh Government on Wednesday sought an immediate transfer of gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari (57) from Rupnagar district jail in Punjab to the Banda district jail to face trial in several cases, accusing the Punjab Government of "shamelessly" protecting him.

A Bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan and R Subhash Reddy adjourned the hearing to March 2 on the adjournment sought on personal grounds by senior advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing for the Punjab government. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the UP government, did not object to Dave's plea for the adjournment.

Appearing for Ansari, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi said he is a "small fry" who is being cornered by the "might of the state." In a snide remark, Mehta said: "You are such a small fry that a state (Punjab) is shamelessly protecting you.”