Former MLA Mukhtar Ansari Passes Away from Cardiac Arrest in UP Jail

In a significant development from Uttar Pradesh, Mukhtar Ansari, a former MLA and noted gangster-turned-politician, passed away following a cardiac arrest at the Banda Medical College on Thursday. The news was confirmed by the college's principal, Suneel Kaushal, who stated that Ansari's health suddenly deteriorated, leading to his hospitalization from the Banda district jail earlier in the day.

Ansari, aged 63, had a long history of criminal activities and was serving time in jail since 2005. He was a five-time MLA from the Mau Sadar seat and had more than 60 criminal cases pending against him. Since September 2022, he had been sentenced in eight different cases by courts across Uttar Pradesh and was currently lodged in Banda jail.

Following Ansari's death, Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police Prashant Kumar announced that prohibitory orders under section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) were imposed across the state to maintain law and order. The orders prevent large gatherings and have led to a special deployment of police personnel in Banda, Mau, Ghazipur, and Varanasi districts.

Earlier this week, Ansari was hospitalized for around 14 hours on Tuesday after he complained of abdominal pain. His brother, Afzal Ansari, who is a Member of Parliament from Ghazipur, alleged that Mukhtar was poisoned while in jail. This claim adds a layer of controversy and speculation surrounding the circumstances of his death.

The Samajwadi Party expressed its condolences over Ansari's demise through a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), stating, "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 loss. Humble tribute." This reflects the political impact of Ansari's death and the void it creates in the region's political landscape.

Ansari's name had appeared on a list of 66 gangsters issued by the Uttar Pradesh Police last year, highlighting his notoriety and the state's efforts to clamp down on organized crime figures. His death marks the end of a controversial figure who straddled the worlds of politics and crime over several decades.

The heavy police deployment outside the hospital shortly after Ansari was admitted underscores the tense situation and potential for unrest following his death. The state's law enforcement agencies are on high alert to prevent any violence or disturbances that might arise in the wake of this event.

Mukhtar Ansari's life story is a complex narrative of power, crime, and politics. His death not only leaves questions unanswered regarding his final days but also signals a significant moment in Uttar Pradesh's ongoing struggle against organized crime and its intersections with political power.