Samajwadi Party (SP) Member of Parliament Afzal Ansari was acquitted by the Ghazipur Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court on Saturday in a 23-year-old case involving allegations of sedition, rioting, and obstruction of official work. This case, dating back to 2001, had remained unresolved for over two decades.
Ansari, who represents the Ghazipur Lok Sabha constituency, is the elder brother of the late Mukhtar Ansari, a Muslim politician from Mau Constituency. The charges arose from an incident during a state-wide bandh organized by the SP on August 9, 2001.
Prosecutors alleged that Ansari and eight others participated in a large protest of approximately 4,000 people, who reportedly forced their way into the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office in Ghazipur, clashing with police and causing damage to government property. The accused faced serious charges, including sedition and rioting.
However, after years of legal proceedings, the court acquitted all the accused, citing insufficient evidence to substantiate their involvement in the alleged incidents.
The verdict brings to a close a lengthy legal battle that Ansari has consistently described as politically motivated.
Speaking to the media after the judgment, Ansari claimed, the case was a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation and disrupt his political career. He described the charges as baseless and an abuse of judicial resources for political gain.
During the press briefing, Ansari also addressed recent episodes of violence in Sambhal. Referring to actions that had drawn criticism from the Supreme Court, he stated, “Despite all the condemnation, some individuals remain shameless and continue making baseless statements. Judicial officers are even being threatened.”
Ansari further warned that those undermining justice and democracy would eventually face consequences. “The people in power today will not remain there forever. The wrongdoers will be held accountable. The law will catch up with them,” he said, hinting at the eventual reckoning for the misuse of authority. He also expressed concern about the treatment of women involved in the violence, noting that they had been unjustly jailed. “What happened in Sambhal angered the people, and now women are being sent to jail. These atrocities will not go unanswered,” Ansari stated.
Afzal Ansari’s acquittal marks a significant legal victory but reflects broader political challenges. He continues to assert his innocence, viewing the case as part of a larger effort to suppress his voice. Reaffirming his faith in the judiciary, Ansari pledged to pursue justice against those who misuse their power while preparing for future political and legal battles.
