SP MLA Abbas Ansari Released After Two Years in Jail; Wife and Family Involved in Controversy

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): SP MLA Abbas Ansari, who had been lodged in Ragauli jail in Chitrakoot district, was recently released after spending two years, one month, and six days in prison. His release came after securing bail from the Gangster Court of Chitrakoot. Abbas, who was being held in a high-security barrack monitored by CCTV and drones, had been transferred to Kasganj jail earlier in February 2023 under tight security.

However, his time in jail had been marked by controversy. In August 2023, Abbas's wife, Nikhat Ansari, was caught meeting him inside the jail, which had been happening regularly without the knowledge of the district administration or intelligence department. The couple was apprehended during a raid led by the DM and SP, following a tip-off. During the raid, foreign currency, mobile phones and other materials were seized. Six individuals, including the MLA and his wife, were charged in connection with the illegal meetings, and four jail officials were dismissed.

Before her husband's arrest, Nikhat had been staying with relatives in a private room in the district headquarters for about two months, while she colluded with jail staff to meet Abbas regularly. The local administration had been unaware of these meetings until the intervention of officials from Lucknow, leading to the raids.

Abbas's time in jail was not just marked by controversy; it was also a time for personal reflection. While in custody, Abbas attended court hearings through video conferencing, a measure taken due to security concerns. He spent his days fasting during Ramadan, praying five times a day, and reading books. His prison life seemed to be a mixture of devotion, introspection, and a continuous effort to maintain his religious practices despite the circumstances.

After his release, Abbas expressed gratitude for his freedom. As he walked out of the district jail, his wife, Nikhat, and brother were there to greet him, bringing an emotional end to the long chapter of his imprisonment. As he stepped into the world outside, the story of his time in jail — and the turbulent events surrounding his case — served as a reminder of the complex intersection of personal struggles, political life, and the rule of law.