KATHMANDU, Oct 8: Yunus Ansari, a 44-year-old controversial media magnate, has been released after serving a three-year jail term for his alleged involvement in dealing in fake Indian currency notes, and smuggling of contraband drugs.
SSP Subodh Ghimire at Metropolitan Police Range Office, Hanumandhoka, confirmed Republica Online Monday night, “Yunus was released on Saturday after serving a three-year jail term.” [Break]
Ansari was arrested on January 2010 for allegedly trading in fake Indian currency notes and brown sugar in collusion with two Pakistani nationals. Ansari, debuted in the country´s media industry in mid-2000 when he teamed up with Bhaskar Rajkarnikar, former chairman of Advertising Agencies Association of Nepal, to start a 24-hour news channel that would later be named Avenues TV.
While serving his jail term, Ansari was shot at in the central jail on April 9, 2011 by an Indian contract killer Jasjit Singh. Singh, 42, a self-proclaimed contract killer from Lucknow, India, fired twice with his revolver at point blank range on meeting Ansari at the visitor´s lounge of the Central Jail.
One bullet hit Ansari. Ansari was injured in the left arm and was out of danger after immediate surgery at Norvic Hospital.