“Allegations made by his family require investigation,” Mayawati on Mukhtar Ansari’s death

Bahujan Samaj Party Chief Mayawati emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the serious allegations surrounding Mukhtar Ansari’s death in prison. In a statement posted on X, she underscored, “The persistent apprehensions and serious allegations made by Mukhtar Ansari’s family regarding his death in jail require a high-level investigation so that the true facts of his death can be revealed. In such a situation, it is natural for his family to be sad. May nature give them the strength to bear this sorrow.”

Following gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari’s demise from cardiac arrest, his son Umar Ansari alleged foul play, stating that his father was poisoned and vowed legal action, expressing full confidence in the judiciary. Umar Ansari affirmed, “We have full faith in it,” highlighting their resolve to pursue justice despite facing obstacles from the administration. He disclosed, “Post-mortem will be conducted tomorrow, after that, they will give us the body. We will then follow with the further process (cremation)… My father had alleged that he was being given a slow poison… Around five doctors panel has been made (for carrying out the post-mortem).”

The body of Mukhtar Ansari has been sent for post-mortem at Banda Medical College Hospital, Banda.

Samajwadi Party leader Ameeque Jamei echoed the call for a comprehensive investigation into Ansari’s death, questioning the adequacy of medical attention provided to him. He remarked, “We stand with the family of Mukhtar Ansari… Recently he said that he can be murdered anytime… Why he was not given a proper medical facility…We will demand a thorough investigation of the incident…”

Congress leader Surendra Rajput also raised concerns regarding Ansari’s demise in custody, urging a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind the events leading to his death. He stated, “Today Mukhtar Ansari’s death in the jail raises a big question BJP-led UP Government…This should be investigated thoroughly so that everyone gets to know what is going on…”

Mukhtar Ansari, a five-time MLA from the Mau assembly seat, had a significant political presence in Ghazipur. His criminal history included convictions for various crimes, including murder, with notable cases leading to imprisonment.