Mukhtar Ansari Death: Notorious Gangster-Turned-Politician Passes Away at 60
The demise of Mukhtar Ansari, a notorious figure in the Indian underworld who transitioned into politics, marks the end of an era fraught with controversy and criminality. Ansari, a five-time MLA from Uttar Pradesh’s Mau Sadar seat, breathed his last following a cardiac arrest on Thursday. His death has stirred discussions surrounding his tumultuous life, criminal activities, and political journey.
Ansari’s health had been a cause for concern, particularly after he broke his Ramzan fast, prompting his admission to Banda Medical College Hospital in Ghazipur. At the age of 60, he succumbed to cardiac complications, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with crime and politics.
A prominent figure in the criminal landscape, Ansari had over 60 criminal cases pending against him, ranging from robbery and dacoity to kidnapping, extortion, and murder. His name featured prominently on the list of 66 gangsters issued by Uttar Pradesh Police, reflecting his notoriety and influence in the region.
The legal battles that defined Ansari’s life culminated in multiple convictions, with Mukhtar Ansari courts in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab handing him lengthy prison sentences. Despite his incarceration since 2005, Ansari continued to exert influence, both within the confines of jail and the political arena.
Among the significant legal proceedings against him, Ansari faced convictions in eight cases, each adding to his already extensive rap sheet:
- In September 2022, a Lucknow court sentenced him to seven years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 37,000.
- Subsequently, in another case in Lucknow, he received a five-year jail term and a fine of Rs 50,000.
- In December 2022, a Ghazipur court pronounced a 10-year imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5 lakh.
- Similar sentences followed in Ghazipur and Varanasi in 2023, including life imprisonment in the latter.
- Ansari’s legal woes continued into 2024, with further convictions in Varanasi and Ghazipur, resulting in additional prison terms and fines.
The passing of Mukhtar Ansari marks the end of a chapter marred by crime, corruption, and controversy. His death leaves behind a complex legacy, highlighting the intersection of politics and organized crime in India’s socio-political landscape.
As discussions unfold regarding Ansari’s impact on Uttar Pradesh politics and the ramifications of his demise, one thing remains certain: his name will forever be synonymous with the darker facets of Indian society.
