The former gangster, now turned politician, Mukhtar Ansari, who had more than 60 criminal cases pending against him, passed away at the age of 63 due to a heart attack at a hospital in Banda, Uttar Pradesh.
Born into a prominent family in 1963, Ansari initially ventured into the world of crime to establish himself and his gang in the government contract mafia thriving in the state. His criminal journey began at the age of 15 when he was first booked for criminal intimidation in Ghazipur.
Over the years, Ansari was embroiled in numerous criminal cases, including murder and extortion. Despite his criminal record, he managed to enter politics and was elected as an MLA five times from various political parties.
Despite his criminal involvements, Ansari transitioned into politics and became a significant player in Uttar Pradesh’s electoral arena.
Here are five intriguing facts about Mukhtar Ansari:
Political Resilience: Ansari defied electoral norms by winning the Mau constituency five consecutive times starting from 1996, including victories as a Bahujan Samaj Party candidate. His ability to secure electoral wins amidst legal challenges highlighted his political acumen and regional influence.
Legal Troubles: Ansari’s life was marred by a litany of legal troubles, with over 60 criminal cases pending against him. These charges ranged from murder to extortion, underscoring the complexity of his criminal entanglements and the challenges he faced in navigating the legal system.
Judicial Convictions: Since September 2022, Ansari faced convictions in several cases, including a life term in March 2024 for fraudulent acquisition of an arms license. Other notable convictions included a 2023 sentencing for the murder of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai, shedding light on the gravity of his offenses and the legal consequences he faced.
Regional Influence: Ansari’s influence extended beyond his hometown of Mau, encompassing neighboring districts like Ghazipur and Varanasi. His inclusion on Uttar Pradesh Police’s list of notorious gangsters underscored his regional dominance and the intricate interplay between crime and politics in the region.
Legacy and Controversy: Mukhtar Ansari’s life remains a subject of both admiration and condemnation, symbolizing the complexities of power, ambition, and justice in Uttar Pradesh’s socio-political landscape. His story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the challenges of navigating the nexus between crime and politics in India’s heartland.
