Mukhtar Ansari’s Saga: Life Sentence for Arms License Fraud, 10 Years for BJP MLA Murder

Gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari died on Thursday following a cardiac arrest in Uttar Pradesh’s Banda.

The incarcerated individual was hospitalized after experiencing vomiting and losing consciousness. The medical college reported that a team of nine doctors treated him, but their efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. Ansari, who served as an MLA five times, was entangled in more than 60 criminal cases, with several convictions against him.

Mukhtar Ansari’s life was plagued by legal troubles, as he faced accusations in more than 60 cases following his incarceration in 2005. His criminal history encompassed charges of murder, kidnapping, and extortion. In April 2023, he was found guilty and handed a 10-year prison term for the murder of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai, and in March 2024, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in a counterfeit arms license case.

Who was Mukhtar Ansari?

Born on June 30, 1963, in Yusufpur, Uttar Pradesh, Mukhtar Ansari embarked on a tumultuous journey from a criminal background to significant political influence. In the 1980s, he aligned himself with the Makhanu Singh gang, initiating his involvement in organized crime. His influence expanded notably in the 1990s, with active engagements in districts such as Mau, Ghazipur, Varanasi, and Jaunpur.

A graduate, Mukhtar Ansari was the son of Late Haji Subhanullah Ansari and was wedded to Afshan Ansari on October 15, 1989. His legacy is carried on by his two sons, Umar Ansari and Afzal Ansari. Notably, Afzal Ansari is currently the Samajwadi Party’s candidate for the Ghazipur seat.

Rise As A Gangster

Mukhtar Ansari gained prominence in the criminal underworld, marked by intense rivalries, particularly with Brijesh Singh, as they competed for dominance in lucrative sectors like coal mining and railway construction. This period was defined by violent confrontations, including a 2002 ambush on his convoy that claimed the lives of three of his associates, exacerbating tensions in the region.

Successful foray into politics

Despite his controversial reputation, Mukhtar Ansari made a transition into politics, leveraging his clout to win elections as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Mau constituency on five occasions, beginning in 1996. His political trajectory was characterized by paradoxes. While some viewed him akin to a modern-day Robin Hood, others criticized him for his alleged criminal associations.