Jailed Gangster-Turned-Politician Mukhtar Ansari Dies After Heart Attack
Mukhtar Ansari, a notorious figure with a criminal past turned politician, passed away on Thursday due to a heart attack while being incarcerated at Uttar Pradesh’s Banda jail. The incident has sparked alerts in several districts including Mau, Ghazipur, and Lucknow to prevent any potential disturbances. Prohibitory orders under section 144 have been enforced in Banda in response to the situation.
Allegations of Foul Play
Ansari had raised concerns about potential foul play, alleging that he was being poisoned slowly by the jail authorities. Expressing fear for his life, he claimed that the food provided to him on March 19 was contaminated, resulting in his deteriorating health. Following his complaints, a jailer and two deputy jailers faced suspension for negligence.
Legal Troubles and Sentencing
The 60-year-old Ansari, known for his criminal background, had been entangled in legal battles spanning Punjab and Uttar Pradesh since 2005. With over 60 criminal cases pending against him, his legal woes were substantial. He had faced sentencing in eight cases since September 2022 alone, with various courts in Uttar Pradesh delivering judgments against him. Notably, his name featured on the list of 66 gangsters identified by the Uttar Pradesh Police, underscoring his notorious reputation.
Conviction in Arms License Case
On March 13, Ansari received a life sentence in a case pertaining to the fraudulent acquisition of an arms license in 1990. This marked his eighth conviction in the past two years, further solidifying his legal predicament. Additionally, he was handed a six-month imprisonment under Section 30 of the Arms Act.
The Fake Arms License Case
The case revolved around Ansari’s application for a double-barrel gun license in 1987, where forged signatures of the district magistrate and superintendent of police were used. When the fraud was uncovered on December 4, 1990, a case was registered against Ansari and four others. The charge sheet was filed in 1997, with witness statements recorded during the prosecution’s proceedings.
Mukhtar Ansari’s demise amidst ongoing legal battles marks the end of a controversial chapter in Uttar Pradesh’s criminal and political landscape.