In a sensational turn of events that echoes through the annals of Uttar Pradesh’s law enforcement history, former Deputy Superintendent of Police Shailendra Singh recounts the audacious stand he took against notorious gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari back in January 2004. In the wake of Ansari’s recent passing, Singh’s revelations throw light on the daunting challenges he faced, which ultimately led to his pressured resignation under the command of the government led by Mulayam Singh Yadav at the time.
A Brave but Costly Act Against Organized Crime
It was a time when Mukhtar Ansari’s criminal operations were flourishing. Ansari, who later became a five-time MLA, had an almost brazen omnipresence, even in curfew-stricken areas—an ominous testament to his power. Ansari’s death has opened a window to the past, and Singh, with unflinching candor, disclosed to ANI that it was he who made a critical light machine gun (LMG) recovery from the powerful figure—historically unrivaled and ominously significant.
“Ansari wielded his power unabashedly, but a crucial interception—a deal involving an LMG for ₹1 crore—led us straight to his doorstep,” shared Singh. This bust was catalytic, birthing the imposition of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) against the gangster. Subsequently, the political machine, protective of Ansari, whirred into action.
Facing the Consequences of Defiance
Shailendra Singh’s professional journey took a dramatic turn when, after imposing POTA on Ansari, he was coerced into resignation just 15 days later. The UP government machinery, bent on shielding Ansari, even tossed Singh into the whirlwind of a vandalism case several months post-resignation. This was in February 2004, a move that startlingly exposed a facade of political affiliations taking precedence over law and order.
A retired DIG, while recounting the experience, laid bare how intense surveillance and acute investigation by Singh’s Varanasi unit of the UP STF led to the arrest of two individuals and the climactic recovery of the LMG with accompanying cartridges. But with the case filed and the political luminary’s involvement coming under scrutiny, relentless pressure was imposed on the police force to dilute their stance.
Years later, in May 2021, a semblance of justice seemed to surface when the UP government withdrew the case of vandalism against the former DSP, but for Singh, the scars of those tumultuous times remain etched.
The Political Sands Shift Yet Again
In an unexpected twist to Singh’s tale, it was disclosed that the mobile number used for the illicit arms deal was registered in the name of an associate of Ansari, further implicating the lawmaker in the scandalous arms racket. The fallout was immediate, with key officials within the police force, including the IG-range, DIG, and SP-STF, facing transfers, all indicating a deliberate effort to soften the blow against Ansari and undercut the investigation.
However, Singh’s unyielding dedication to his duty and unwavering moral compass led him to notate the reasons for his pressured resignation openly. Through his letter, he poignantly addressed the public, highlighting a governance structure that, in his words, bent over backward to protect mafias.
Revisiting a Dark Chapter
As we look back upon Mukhtar Ansari’s life and his eventual passing, the legacy of individuals like Shailendra Singh who dared to stand up against the prevailing criminal undercurrents gains renewed reverence. The tale serves as a grim reminder of the interplay between politics and crime, and the price honest officers might pay in their fight against corruption.
Now, with Mukhtar Ansari’s death making headlines, narratives like Shailendra Singh’s gain newfound scrutiny, advocating loud lessons on the impedance integrity faces within the maze of power and politics. Despite the personal costs, Shailendra Singh’s story is one of resilience, defining a career marked more by the battles against the system than the accolades within it.
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