Mukhtar Ansari, a former gangster-turned-politician, passed away due to a cardiac arrest at a hospital in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday. In response to this event, authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) across various districts, including Banda, Mau, Ghazipur, and Varanasi, to prevent large gatherings. Ansari, who had been a five-time MLA from Mau Sadar, had been incarcerated in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab since 2005, with over 60 criminal cases pending against him. Despite allegations of being subjected to "slow poisoning" in jail, which were denied by authorities, Ansari's health deteriorated, leading to his demise.
The Uttar Pradesh Police, under the direction of Director General Prashant Kumar, enforced strict measures across the state, deploying additional security forces to maintain order. Ansari, known for his influence in Mau, Ghazipur, and Varanasi, had been admitted to the Rani Durgavati Medical College after experiencing vomiting and subsequently succumbed to cardiac arrest despite medical intervention.
Plans for Ansari's post-mortem in Banda were confirmed by police officials, ensuring proper procedures and preservation of evidence if required. Earlier hospitalizations and complaints of abdominal pain underscored Ansari's declining health. Political figures, including AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, expressed condolences and criticized the handling of Ansari's health issues by the government.
Tejashwi Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Samajwadi Party also offered their condolences, emphasizing the need for proper investigation into Ansari's death. Former Bihar MP Pappu Yadav, now with the Congress party, labeled Ansari's demise as "institutional murder," urging for a thorough and impartial probe monitored by the judiciary. These sentiments echo concerns over the treatment and conditions of prisoners within the country's legal framework.
“He was making allegations for several days that he was being given slow poison. His MP brother also made this allegation. This is an indelible blot on the country’s constitutional system,” he added.
