Gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari's death triggers political blame game
What's the story
Jailed gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari's death on Thursday triggered a political blame game ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Questioning the 63-year-old's death, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader (RJD) Tejashwi Yadav suggested whether the former state legislator from Mau indeed died of a heart attack.
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) supremo Asaduddin Owaisi also claimed that Ansari was administered poison in jail.
Allegations
Investigation initiated following Ansari's death
Following Ansari's death, a magisterial investigation has been launched in response to his family's claims of foul play.
Umar Ansari, Ansari's son has alleged that his father was poisoned through the food served to him in prison.
Earlier, Ansari had alleged that on March 19 he was given food laced with poison in jail, after which his limbs went numb, a charge denied by the prison authorities.
Condolences
Political reactions to Ansari's death
The Samajwadi Party (SP) and other opposition leaders have expressed their condolences to Ansari's family following his death.
"Sad demise of former MLA Shri Mukhtar Ansari. May his soul rest in peace. May the bereaved family members get the strength to bear this immense sorrow. Humble tribute!" SP tweeted.
Meanwhile, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati also called for a high-level investigation into the serious allegations made by his family regarding his death in jail.
Health issues
Ansari's health concerns prior to his demise
Before his death on March 26, Ansari was hospitalized for about 14 hours due to abdominal pain.
He was diagnosed with Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital where doctors suggested surgery.
The hospitalization occurred shortly after Ansari completed his Ramadan fast, which reportedly led to a significant deterioration in his health.
Security upped
Heightened security measures following Ansari's death
In the aftermath of Ansari's death, police vigilance has increased in Banda and other areas, including Lucknow, Kanpur, Mau, and Ghazipur.
Directives have been issued to step up police patrols in sensitive areas.
Prohibitory orders under section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which bans large gatherings, have been enforced across Uttar Pradesh to maintain law and order.
Criminal record
Ansari's criminal history and pending cases
Ansari has been in prison in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab since 2005, with over 60 criminal cases still pending against him.
He spent two years in a Punjab jail before being transferred back to Banda jail in April 2021.
Since September 2022, he has been convicted in eight cases by various UP courts, and his name was included on the list of 66 gangsters issued by Uttar Pradesh Police last year.