Magisterial inquiry initiated into Mukhtar Ansari’s death

Lucknow, March 29 (IANS) The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated a magisterial investigation into the death of Mukhtar Ansari. The inquiry will be carried out by a three-member team, as stated by a government spokesperson.

Mukhtar Ansari’s son Umar Ansari has alleged that his father, a former MLA and a gangster, was subjected to “slow poisoning” while in prison. A similar claim was also made by Ansari’s brother, Ghazipur MP Afzal Ansari, although authorities have denied the accusation.

Last week, Mukhtar Ansari submitted an application in court stating that he was given a “poisonous substance” along with his food, causing pain in his nerves and limbs. Post-mortem is ongoing, with the process being videographed, and his viscera will be preserved if necessary, according to the spokesman.

Preparations are being made for Ansari’s cremation at the Kalibagh burial ground in Mohamadabad, Ghazipur district. The convoy carrying his body will depart after Friday prayers, as confirmed by a district official. Section 144 has been enforced across Uttar Pradesh to prohibit large gatherings, with extra security in Banda, Mau, Ghazipur, and Varanasi districts.

Mukhtar Ansari, who was transported from the district jail to Rani Durgavati Medical College in Banda in an “unconscious state,” passed away due to cardiac arrest despite efforts by a team of nine doctors. Prior to his death, Ansari had been hospitalized for abdominal pain for about 14 hours. Born into a family with a history of involvement in the independence struggle, Ansari’s grandfather was the Indian National Congress President in 1927.