Mukhtar Ansari Died of Cardiac Arrest, Not Readmitted to Hospital

On Thursday, March 28th, 2024, gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest. Initial reports suggested he was rushed to the hospital after his health deteriorated in jail. However, it is now confirmed that Ansari died during treatment after being brought to the hospital following the heart attack.

Ansari, a five-time MLA from Mau, Uttar Pradesh, was lodged in Banda district jail. Medical personnel were first called to the jail to treat him when his health worsened, but upon suspecting a cardiac arrest, he was rushed to Rani Durgavati Medical College at 8:25 pm in an unconscious state. Despite the efforts of a nine-doctor panel, Ansari succumbed to the heart attack.

Following his death, authorities have ordered a probe into the incident. Ansari’s family has reportedly alleged foul play, suggesting he may have been poisoned. The investigation will aim to determine the cause of death definitively.

Mukhtar Ansari’s passing has sparked mixed reactions. While some have offered tributes to the politician, others remain critical of his past actions. Ansari’s criminal record included multiple charges and his status as a gangster-turned-politician was a source of controversy.

The 63-year-old Mukhtar Ansari was a prominent figure in Uttar Pradesh politics, having represented the Mau Sadar constituency as an MLA five times. He had a lengthy legal past and was well-known in Ghazipur. There were now over 60 criminal charges against him. Questions concerning prisoner safety, medical treatment, and accountability will be raised by the post-mortem examination, which will ascertain the cause of death and look into the poisoning claims. With tensions rising, Uttar Pradesh has increased security measures.

Who was Mukhtar Ansari?

Mukhtar Ansari (1963-2024) was a figure of immense controversy in Uttar Pradesh politics. A five-time MLA, he wielded significant power despite facing a long list of criminal charges, including murder and extortion. Ansari’s rise began in the 1990s, allegedly through involvement in the government contract mafia.

By the mid-90s, he had leveraged his influence to enter politics, winning his first MLA seat in 1996. His path to power was reportedly marred by a violent rivalry with another gangster, Brijesh Singh. Ansari’s success in the political arena, despite his criminal background, sparked concerns about the deep-rooted connection between money, muscle power, and Indian politics. His death in March 2024, following a heart attack, has elicited mixed reactions.

While some mourn his passing, others remain critical of his legacy. An ongoing investigation is attempting to determine the cause of death after allegations of foul play were raised by his family.

Political Career

Mukhtar Ansari’s political career was a paradox, marked by both electoral success and constant controversy. He secured five terms as an MLA representing Mau constituency in Uttar Pradesh. However, his political journey was far from straightforward.

Ansari’s entry into politics in the mid-1990s coincided with his alleged involvement in the government contract mafia. He cleverly used his influence to gain a political foothold, winning his first MLA seat in 1996 on a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) ticket. However, his association with the BSP didn’t last long. He switched parties and even formed his own outfit, the Quami Ekta Dal (QED), reflecting his adaptability in the political landscape.

Despite facing over 60 criminal charges, including serious offenses like murder and extortion, Ansari managed to retain his hold on the Mau constituency. This has led to accusations that money and muscle power played a significant role in his victories. His success highlights the complex challenges India faces in ensuring clean elections free from intimidation.

Ansari’s political legacy remains a contentious issue. While some may view him as a shrewd politician who understood the pulse of his constituency, others see him as a symbol of the corrupting influence of criminal elements in Indian politics. His story serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to maintain a healthy separation between crime and governance.

What are the political implications of his death?

The death of Mukhtar Ansari on March 28th, 2024, has sent ripples through the political landscape of Uttar Pradesh, sparking both immediate and long-term implications.

In the immediate aftermath, a power vacuum has emerged in Mau, the constituency Ansari dominated for five terms. This will likely lead to a fierce battle for control within his party, or whoever inherits his political influence. Additionally, Ansari’s loyal support base in Mau raises the possibility of unrest or protests depending on the circumstances surrounding his death and the ongoing investigation. Furthermore, with Ansari’s criminal background fresh in everyone’s minds, the state government will face increased scrutiny over its handling of law and order. Opposition parties are likely to seize this opportunity to criticize the government’s record.

Looking towards the long term, Ansari’s death could potentially weaken the well-established network between gangsters and politicians in Uttar Pradesh. However, the effectiveness of the government’s actions in tackling this complex issue will determine the long-term impact. Additionally, depending on who steps up to claim Ansari’s influence, there could be a significant shift in political alliances within Mau and surrounding regions, potentially altering the dynamics of future elections.

Most importantly, Ansari’s story serves as a stark reminder of the challenges India faces in keeping crime out of politics. His death has reignited public discourse on the crucial need for electoral reforms and a more transparent political system. The coming months and years will reveal the true extent of Ansari’s death’s impact on Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape.

What were some of the criminal cases against Mukhtar Ansari?

Mukhtar Ansari, a gangster-turned-politician from Uttar Pradesh, faced a multitude of criminal cases throughout his life. Here are some notable ones:

Murder of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai: In November 2005, Mukhtar Ansari was accused of orchestrating the murder of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai and six others in the Bhawarkol area of Ghazipur district. The case was investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and in 2019, a special CBI court in Delhi acquitted Ansari and others. However, Rai’s son filed an appeal against the acquittal, which is still pending in the Delhi High Court.

Life Imprisonment for Murder of Local Politician Awadhesh Rai: In June last year, a court in Varanasi sentenced Mukhtar Ansari to life imprisonment for the murder of local politician Awadhesh Rai in 1991. Awadhesh Rai, a businessman, was the elder brother of Congress state president Ajay Rai.

Forgery Case Related to Arms License: Recently, Ansari was convicted in a case related to the use of forged documents to obtain an arms license in 1990. A Varanasi court sentenced him to life imprisonment for this offense.

A trial court’s ruling was overruled by the Allahabad High Court in September 2022, and Ansari was sentenced to seven years in prison in connection with a 19-year-old case, for threatening and pointing a revolver at a jailer. In 2003, while incarcerated at the Lucknow district jail, he was convicted guilty of pointing a handgun at and threatening staff members.

Other Convictions: Ansari had been convicted in a total of eight cases by different courts in Uttar Pradesh. His criminal record included charges of extortion, anti-social activities, and murder.

Despite his criminal history, Ansari also had a significant presence in Uttar Pradesh politics, serving as a five-time MLA from the Mau Sadar seat. His death has raised questions about inmate safety, medical care, and accountability.

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