Mukhtar demands adequate security cover

Lucknow, Feb 28 (UNI) Mafia turned politician and independent MLA Mukhtar Ansari today demanded adequate security cover, claiming threat on his life.

Raising the issue through an adjournment motion, Mukhtar alleged that a senior police official, in connivance with some criminals, was conspiring to eliminate him.

The member, who has been incarcerated in the jail since October 25, 2005, said recently his 21 supporters were arrested on fake charges.

Demanding withdrawal of all cases against these people, Mukhtar said he apprehended threat on his life during his travel from Ghazipur to Lucknow jail for attending the assembly sessions.

The member also waved a CD towards the chair, claiming it had the recording of a criminal, who had admitted before the police that he tried to kill the politician at the secretriate when he was to attend the assembly session during previous regime.

Demanding a high-level probe into the issue, he said a senior SP leader had stopped the investigation at that time even after Mulayam Singh Yadav had initiated the same.

Supporting the issue, SP deputy leader Mohd Azam Khan maintained that the present government was targetting the political opponents through evil means.

''I have been termed as a terrorist and once, even my vehicle was searched for the same reason,'' he added.

Replying to the motion, State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Lalji Verma denied involvement of any official to conspire the killing of Mukhtar.

He also assured that adequate security would be provided to the MLA.

UNI MB ATI SG KP2112