**Mumbai: Maharashtra Government Denies Police Clearance Certificate to Acquitted 26/11 Accused Fahim Ansari**
The Maharashtra government informed the Bombay High Court on Friday that Fahim Ansari, acquitted in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case, was denied a police clearance certificate as he remains under surveillance on suspicion of being associated with a banned terror organisation. Ansari had sought the certificate to obtain authorization to drive an autorickshaw for his livelihood.
### Court Questions Denial Despite Acquittal
A bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad questioned the state under what legal provisions the certificate was rejected, considering Ansari had been acquitted of the 26/11 charges.
Public prosecutor Mankhuwar Deshmukh submitted that, according to guidelines issued in August 2014, Ansari was ineligible for the clearance certificate. He added, “There is also a confidential report which states that Ansari is still under watch on suspicion of being a member of a banned terror outfit.”
### Rampur Conviction and Other Cases Cited
The state’s affidavit highlighted that Ansari had been convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for the 2008 Rampur CRPF camp grenade attack, which resulted in the deaths of seven personnel and one civilian.
Although acquitted in the 26/11 case, the trial court had noted Ansari’s association with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The state also mentioned several other criminal cases registered against him. A sealed confidential report was submitted to the court as part of the evidence.
### Hearing Adjourned Due to Absence of Lawyer
The court adjourned the hearing to Saturday due to the absence of Ansari’s lawyer.
### Background of Acquittal and Conviction
Ansari, along with Sabauddin Ahmed, was accused of aiding LeT in executing the November 26, 2008 Mumbai attacks that claimed 166 lives. On May 6, 2010, a special court acquitted both due to insufficient evidence—a decision upheld by the High Court and the Supreme Court. The lone Pakistani gunman Ajmal Kasab remained the only convict for the 26/11 attacks.
Separately, Ansari was convicted for the Rampur grenade attack in Uttar Pradesh and served a 10-year sentence, being released in 2019.
### Ansari Challenges Police Clearance Refusal
Challenging the denial, Ansari approached the High Court claiming the state’s decision was “arbitrary, illegal and discriminatory” and violated his fundamental right to livelihood.
His plea stated, “The petitioner is legally entitled to engage in gainful employment, free from any legal blemish or barriers.”
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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/2611-terror-attack-case-fahim-ansari-remains-under-watch-for-association-with-banned-let-state-tells-bombay-hc
