In Lucknow, the leader of the BSP, Mayawati, pressed for an extensive investigation into the demise of Mukhtar Ansari, a former criminal who ventured into politics, asserting the imperative disclosure of factual verity to the populace. Ansari, aged 63, succumbed to a cardiac event while hospitalized in Banda district of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday.
Mayawati articulated on X platform, stating, “The persistent qualms and grave indictments posited by Mukhtar Ansari’s kin concerning his demise while incarcerated necessitate a rigorous scrutiny to unearth the genuine circumstances surrounding his passing.” Chandra Shekhar Aazad, the founder of Bhim Army and president of Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram), advocated for a CBI probe into Ansari’s demise.
Expressing condolences in Hindi on X, Aazad remarked, “The premature departure of former legislator Mukhtar Ansari is profoundly sorrowful. I extend my heartfelt homage. My sympathies to his kith and kin, may they find resilience amidst this profound bereavement.” He further added, “Previously, he had harbored suspicions of imminent peril to his life. I petition the High Court of Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, for a thorough CBI inquiry into his demise.” The political party led by Aazad is contending in the forthcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Ansari, aged 63, was transported from the district penitentiary in an unconscious state to Rani Durgavati Medical College in Banda on Thursday evening, ultimately succumbing to cardiac arrest, as stated by its principal, Suneel Kaushal. Allegations from Ansari’s family suggest he was subjected to gradual poisoning while incarcerated, which authorities refute.
A five-time MLA from Mau Sadar, Ansari had been in detention in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab since 2005, with over 60 criminal cases pending against him. He had received verdicts in eight cases since September 2022 from various courts in Uttar Pradesh and was incarcerated in Banda penitentiary. His name featured on the roster of 66 felons issued by Uttar Pradesh Police last year.
