Probe into cops’ absence at terror suspect’s court appearance

LUCKNOW - An enquiry was ordered Tuesday against seven police sub-inspectors who failed to show up when terror suspect Fahim Ansari was brought to a court in Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur district in a case relating to his alleged involvement in an attack on a paramilitary camp.

“The seven policemen were supposed to be present on the court premises as Fahim Ansari was to be produced. However, they were found absent from the duty. Therefore, I ordered an enquiry against them today (Tuesday),” Rampur Superintendent of Police Ramit Sharma told IANS over telephone.

“Further action would be taken against the seven policemen following the completion of the enquiry,” he added.

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) had filed an additional charge-sheet against Ansari, acquitted in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case, June 16.

Besides Ansari, seven others are also accused of involvement in the Dec 31, 2007 attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Rampur in which seven troopers and a civilian were killed.

Though the ATS officials had declined to divulge anything about the additional charge-sheet, sources said it accuses Ansari of hiding evidence and not cooperating in the investigations.

Ansari, presently lodged in Bareilly Central Jail, is facing charges under the Arms Act, the Explosives Act and of forgery and criminal conspiracy.