26/11 Terror Attack Acquittal: Govt Allows Fahim Ansari to Take Up Certain Jobs Without Police Clearance
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In a significant development, the Maharashtra government has informed the Bombay High Court that Fahim Ansari, acquitted in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks case, can take up jobs that do not require police clearance. The submission was made on the eve of the 17th anniversary of the deadly attacks that claimed 166 lives. As per the government's list, jobs requiring police clearance include government, semi-government, and municipal body positions, as well as those in schools, colleges, and security services. However, private companies can opt for character verification on a voluntary basis. Ansari, who was acquitted of being a co-conspirator in the 26/11 attacks, had sought a police clearance certificate to drive an autorickshaw for his livelihood. The government's stance is seen as a compromise, allowing Ansari to pursue employment opportunities without the certificate. The case dates back to 2008, when ten Pakistani terrorists launched a coordinated attack on Mumbai, killing 166 people and injuring hundreds. Fahim Ansari and Sabauddin Ahmed were acquitted in the case due to a lack of evidence. However, Ansari was later convicted and sentenced to 10 years in another case. The government's submission comes after Ansari moved the high court in January, seeking a police clearance certificate. He claimed that the refusal to issue the certificate was arbitrary, illegal, and discriminatory, violating his fundamental rights to livelihood. The court has agreed to hear the matter in chamber later this week. Ansari's acquittal in the 26/11 case was upheld by the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court. He has been seeking employment opportunities to support himself after being released from jail in 2019. The government's decision is seen as a step towards normalizing Ansari's life after his acquittal.
