Mukhtar Ansari death Akhilesh demands SC
Mukhtar Ansari, a murder convict who had been an MLA in Uttar Pradesh, died on Thursday in the Banda Medical College due to cardiac arrest.
“Ghazipur, Mau, Jaunpur, Azamgarh, and Balia were known as the epicentre of the comrades. How did these regions become the hotspot of criminals?… We all need to beware. Their tactics of communal polarisation have been nullified by PM Narendra Modi’s efforts of inclusive empowerment,” said BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.
He said the region was once a Congress stronghold as well.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav today demanded that a Supreme Court judge must probe the death of Mukhtar Ansari.
Mukhtar Ansari, a murder convict who had been an MLA in Uttar Pradesh, died on Thursday in the Banda Medical College due to cardiac arrest.
Mukhtar Ansari’s family members have claimed he had been given what they called “slow poison”.
“It is the foremost responsibility and duty of the government to protect someone’s life in every situation and at every place,” Akhilesh Yadav said.
“The death of a hostage or prisoner in any of the following circumstances will erode public confidence in the judicial process — while confined in a police station, in a fight inside the jail, on falling ill inside the prison, while being taken to hospital, during treatment in hospital, by showing a false encounter, by showing a false suicide, by showing casualties in an accident — all such doubtful cases should be probed under the supervision of a Supreme Court judge,” he added.
Meanwhile, BSP president Mayawati also demanded a high-level probe into Ansari’s death.
“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,” she said.
Ansari’s son Umar Ansari said he was given slow poison on March 19 and his lawyers had apprised the court about the same.
“We got the news of his death only through the media. We will demand a high-level inquiry and do whatever we have to do through the court. We have full confidence in the court,” he said.
After Mukhtar Ansari’s death, the UP administration imposed prohibitory orders under section 144 of the CrPC. They also enhanced security in Ansari’s sphere of influence — Banda, Mau, Ghazipur and Varanasi.
The recent demise of Mukhtar Ansari, a notorious gangster-turned-politician, has sparked a flurry of political reactions, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launching a scathing attack on the opposition parties, while former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav demands a Supreme Court-monitored probe into the circumstances surrounding Ansari’s death.
Background:
Mukhtar Ansari, a prominent figure in Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape, was facing multiple criminal cases, including murder and extortion. His extradition from Punjab to Uttar Pradesh earlier this year had stirred controversy, with allegations of political interference and favoritism.
BJP’s Response:
The BJP wasted no time in pointing fingers at the opposition parties, particularly the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), accusing them of harboring and patronizing criminals for political gains. BJP leaders emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into Ansari’s death, hinting at possible foul play and alleging a nexus between criminals and certain political entities.
Union Minister and senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi condemned the “politics of criminals” and called for strict action against those involved in criminal activities. The BJP’s narrative revolves around the assertion that Ansari’s death exposes the deteriorating law and order situation under previous regimes in Uttar Pradesh.
Akhilesh Yadav’s Demand:
In contrast, Akhilesh Yadav, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and leader of the Samajwadi Party, raised concerns over the circumstances leading to Mukhtar Ansari’s demise. Demanding a Supreme Court-monitored probe, Yadav highlighted the need for an impartial investigation to ascertain the truth behind Ansari’s death.
Yadav’s demand for a judicial inquiry reflects skepticism over the Uttar Pradesh government’s handling of the case and the possibility of political motivations behind Ansari’s death. He urged the judiciary to intervene to ensure transparency and accountability in the investigation process.
Political Implications:
Mukhtar Ansari’s death has reignited debates on the nexus between crime and politics in Uttar Pradesh, a state notorious for its history of criminalization of politics. The incident has become a rallying point for political parties to score points against their opponents ahead of the upcoming state elections.
For the BJP, Ansari’s demise serves as an opportunity to showcase its commitment to upholding law and order and cleansing the political system of criminal elements. On the other hand, opposition parties like the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party may use the incident to highlight alleged failures of the current government in ensuring the safety and security of citizens.
Conclusion:
The death of Mukhtar Ansari has once again brought the issue of criminalization of politics to the forefront of public discourse. While the BJP seeks to capitalize on the incident to discredit its political rivals, Akhilesh Yadav’s demand for a judicial probe underscores the need for a transparent and impartial investigation to uncover the truth. As political parties trade barbs and demand accountability, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims of crime and restoring public trust in the democratic process.
