Mukhtar Ansari's journey through the years: From the 'Terror' of Purvanchal to a ‘Bahubali’ politician

Mukhtar Ansari, who faced accusations in over 63 criminal cases, passed away due to cardiac arrest in a hospital in Banda on March 28.

Mukhtar Ansari, 63, was a complex figure known for his dual identities: one as a powerful figure in politics and organised crime, often referred to as the 'Bahubali,' and the other as a talented athlete and college student before his involvement in criminal activities began. During his college years, Ansari stood out not just as a cricketer but also as a skilled shooter.

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From Power to Wheelchair: Ansari's Convoy Legacy

As he became entangled in a life of crime and politics, his fondness for vehicles became evident in his intimidating convoy, which instilled fear in those who crossed paths with it on the roads. The convoy, comprising 20 to 30 sports utility vehicles (SUVs), all bearing the number 786, symbolised his authority. Despite his commanding presence in the past, Mukhtar Ansari's health deteriorated over time, leading to his confinement to a wheelchair in his later years.

In the past, people would change their travel routes to accommodate the passage of Ansari's convoy, particularly when he was seen riding in an open jeep adorned with the distinctive number 786. There were indeed instances when thoroughfares were redirected to ease his passage, especially when he chose an open-top vehicle for his travels.

Ansari's Family and Their Love for Luxury Cars

The fleet of vehicles associated with Ansari also reflects his family's interests and passions. Despite his imprisonment since 2005, his wife and children exhibited a strong fondness for automobiles. Begum Afshan, Ansari's spouse, possessed cars such as Audi, Mercedes, and BMW, reflecting their affluent lifestyle. Therefore, it's not unusual to witness vehicles like Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavor, and BMW accompanying the convoy of his sons, Abbas Ansari and Omar Ansari.

Legacy and Allegations

His name was associated with various incidents, including an attack on Yogi Adityanath and allegations involving a BJP MLA firing nearly 400 rounds from an AK-47, with Ansari allegedly involved. On March 28 night, Ansari, a former MLA, breathed his last. He was transferred from custody to Rani Durgavati Medical College at 8:25 pm following complaints of vomiting and loss of consciousness. His demise was attributed to cardiac arrest.

As per the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police Prashant Kumar, statewide prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC were enforced. Teams comprising personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) collaborated with local police units, stationed notably in Banda, Mau, Ghazipur, and Varanasi.

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Weaving Politics and Power in Eastern UP

Hailing from Mau, a sleepy district renowned for its textile industry and weaving traditions, Ansari, a five-time MLA, was born in the adjacent district of Ghazipur in 1963. While his sway predominantly extends across eastern Uttar Pradesh, Ansari has consistently embodied the intricate nexus between politics and illicit activities within the state.

Criminal Politician with a Robin Hood Image

Ansari adeptly cultivated an image akin to that of Robin Hood, embodying the concept of taking from the affluent and redistributing wealth among the needy, albeit within the realm of crime. Utilising his involvement in securing contracts, leases, and disputed properties, he amassed significant influence and resources. Upon entering politics, Ansari not only expanded his sphere of influence but also accumulated substantial wealth, benefiting his close associates in the process.

Ansari's political journey is believed to have originated in the 1990s during his time at Banaras Hindu University. Swiftly delving into various enterprises spanning from scrap dealing to mining and railway contracts, he forged connections within the realm of crime, particularly in eastern Uttar Pradesh, notably in Purvanchal. His initial foray into the underworld began as an enforcer affiliated with the Makhanu Singh gang.

In the eyes of many residents of Mau, Ansari is revered as a modern-day 'Robin Hood' of the area. Despite spending the majority of the last 19 years behind bars, his influence stretches from Varanasi to Mau, spanning over 100 kilometers in the Purvanchal region.

Mahuabagh Bazaar Land Grab Case

Reports say, in the post-1995 era, Ansari's attention turned towards a plot in the Mahuabagh Bazaar of Ghazipur Kotwali area. This land, which housed a Shia Muslim graveyard encroached upon by slum dwellings and tea shops, caught his interest. Gradually, Ansari began to assert control over this territory.

People who were occupying the area were gradually removed, and by encroaching more space than allotted, Ghazal Hotel and Shopping Complex were illegally constructed. Behind these constructions, a small area of the graveyard remains to this day. In the 2002 elections, Mukhtar Ansari's brother Afzal Ansari contested from the Mohammadabad seat but lost to BJP's Krishnanand Rai.

Showdown in Azamgarh: Adityanath vs Ansari

In the wake of the 2008 Mau riots, tensions between Yogi Adityanath and Mukhtar Ansari reignited, culminating in a showdown during a rally against terrorism in Azamgarh organised by the Hindu Yuva Vahini. Taking charge of the event at the premises of DAV Degree College on September 7, 2008, Adityanath found himself in the midst of chaos as his procession came under attack. Pelting stones marked the onset of the assault, with Adityanath directly implicating Ansari for orchestrating the violence. He alleged sustained gunfire directed at the convoy from a specific direction, coupled with instances of vehicular vandalism.

A History of Legal Battles and Imprisonment

A five-time MLA from Mau Sadar, Ansari had been in custody in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab since 2005, facing more than 60 pending criminal cases. He had been convicted in eight cases since September 2022 by various courts in Uttar Pradesh and was confined to Banda jail. Notably, his name was listed among the 66 gangsters designated by the Uttar Pradesh Police last year.

Ansari's Extradition Saga

In January 2019, Ansari, who was then a BSP MLA, was imprisoned in Punjab's Ropar jail over his alleged participation in an extortion case. He remained detained there for over two years. Following this, the Uttar Pradesh government petitioned the Supreme Court (SC) to intervene and oversee Ansari's extradition back to the state.

In April 2021, the SC directed the Punjab police to transfer custody of Ansari to Uttar Pradesh after he spent approximately 28 months in Punjab’s Ropar jail in connection with a case of extortion and criminal intimidation filed in that state.

Family Members Facing Legal Scrutiny

The sentencing in April also resulted in the conviction of his elder brother, Ghazipur Lok Sabha MP Afzal Ansari, leading to his disqualification as a parliamentarian. Ansari's older son, Abbas Ansari, is also in custody, facing charges in a money laundering case. Meanwhile, his wife, Afsha, and younger son, Umar, who are accused in other criminal cases, are currently evading law enforcement authorities.

Ansari's Political Journey

Ansari's political journey started with his inaugural victory in 1996, achieved on a BSP ticket. Subsequently, he secured wins in the Mau constituency in 2002 and 2007 as an independent candidate. In 2012, he attained victory under the banner of the Quami Ekta Dal (QED) party, which he founded alongside his brothers after his expulsion from the BSP in 2010. Despite facing setbacks, he returned to the BSP fold in 2017, securing another electoral win, although his son Abbas suffered defeat. Notably, in 2009, he contested the Lok Sabha elections in Varanasi against BJP stalwart Murli Manohar Joshi but was unsuccessful in his endeavour.

In the 2012 Assembly election, the QED secured two seats. In 2014, Ansari announced his intention to contest against Narendra Modi from Varanasi but ultimately withdrew to avoid a split in "secular votes". His brother Afzal, a former MP, achieved victory over Manoj Sinha in 2019. Sinha, who served as a minister in the Narendra Modi government and was widely considered a potential chief minister of Uttar Pradesh in 2017, was defeated in the election.

Ansari's Rise: Amid Criminalisation of UP Politics

Political observers say Ansari began to gain prominence in the 1980s and 90s, a time marked by the criminalization of politics in Uttar Pradesh. This period witnessed village panchayat and assembly elections in the state being conducted under the shadow of dacoits, which contributed to Ansari's increasing popularity.

Ansari's Family Ties to Independence Movement

Ansari's lineage is deeply rooted in a rich heritage closely intertwined with India's struggle for independence. His paternal grandfather, Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari, rose to prominence within the Indian National Congress, eventually assuming the presidency of the party in 1927. Furthermore, he served as the esteemed Chancellor at Jamia Millia Islamia until his passing in 1936, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and service.

On his maternal side, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, Ansari's grandfather, distinguished himself as a decorated officer in the Indian Army. His courageous actions during a conflict with Pakistan in the Nowshera sector of Jammu and Kashmir in 1948 earned him the prestigious Maha Vir Chakra posthumously, highlighting his unwavering dedication to his nation.