Judicial probe ordered into death of Mukhtar Ansari

Lucknow: Amidst allegations by the family of Mukhtar Ansari's family about his death being due to slow poisoning, the Uttar Pradesh government ordered a magisterial probe into the death of Mukhtar Ansari. Soon thereafter, the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) in Banda appointed a judicial officer for the probe.

Garima Singh, Additional CJM, has been asked to carry out the probe and submit her report within one month.

Mukhtar Ansari’s family members have alleged that Ansari died due to "slow poisoning" through the food served to him in Banda jail.

The opposition parties have also demanded a judicial probe into Ansari’s death since he had already voiced his apprehension before the court that he was being poisoned in jail.

Ansari (60), known as a gangster-turned politician was a member of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly,. He suffered a massive heart attack in Banda jail on Thursday during a medical check-up and fell unconscious. He was immediately taken to the Banda Medical College where he died.

Earlier on Tuesday, Ansari’s health had deteriorated and he was admitted to the ICU at Banda Medical College. However, he was discharged the same evening after doctors declared him fit.

Ansari had earlier told the court that he was being given food laced with poison in jail, after which the court had sought a report. He had alleged that he was also given food laced with poison 40 days ago.

Ansari, a five-time former MLA from Mau Sadar seat, had been behind bars in UP and Punjab since 2005.

In April 2023, Mukhtar Ansari was convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for the murder of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai by an MP MLA court. He was sentenced to life in prison on March 13, 2024, in connection with a fake arms license case.

He has over 60 criminal cases pending against him.

(Inputs from IANS)