Controversy surrounding Mukhtar Ansari’s death in Banda jail, prompted an inquiry amid allegations of ‘slow poison’, son demands AIIMS postmortem.
Amidst swirling controversies surrounding the demise of gangster Mukhtar Ansari, who was incarcerated in Banda jail, the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Banda has initiated an inquiry, to be conducted by the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate. Following a post-mortem examination, the mortal remains of Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi have been secured. Mukhtar Ansari’s son has raised allegations suggesting his father was subjected to “slow poison” while in jail. The notorious gangster, who spent nearly 19 years in custody, passed away due to a heart attack in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday, March 28. His postmortem was conducted on Friday, March 29.
In anticipation of potential law and order disruptions, the Uttar Pradesh Police has imposed prohibitory orders statewide. Mukhtar Ansari, a five-time MLA from Mau, was facing over 60 criminal cases.
Omar Ansari, son of Mukhtar Ansari, has alleged that his father was administered “slow poison” during his time in Banda jail. Similar claims were echoed by Ansari’s brother and Ghazipur MP, Afzal Ansari. However, authorities have strongly refuted these allegations.
Previously, Mukhtar Ansari himself had raised concerns about being given a “poisonous substance” with his food. He voiced these concerns during a court appearance in Barabanki’s MP-MLA court, citing nerve and organ pain after meals. Despite being admitted to the district hospital for dehydration and subsequent normal medical reports, he was returned to jail. The Superintendent of Banda Jail affirmed Ansari’s surveillance under CCTV and stringent security measures. The court was also requested to review CCTV footage.
Earlier, several jail staff, including a senior officer, had faced suspension for security lapses concerning Mukhtar’s safety.
On the afternoon of March 28, Mukhtar Ansari’s health deteriorated, prompting jail doctors to administer first aid. Subsequently, arrangements were made to transfer him to a government hospital, with district authorities notified. Upon his arrival, the District Officer and Superintendent of Police were present, and he was later transferred to the district hospital in an unconscious state. Despite medical intervention by a panel of six doctors, he passed away during treatment around 9.30 pm.
A comprehensive post-mortem, conducted by a team of doctors under tight security and video documentation, was performed on Mukhtar Ansari’s remains, which have been preserved. The preliminary report attributed his death to a heart attack.
Meanwhile, Omar Ansari has written a letter to the District Magistrate of Banda, urging for his father’s postmortem to be conducted by doctors from Delhi AIIMS, citing a lack of trust in the local medical administration.