Mukhtar Ansari, a prominent figure in Indian politics and known for his controversial life, left a lasting impact on Eastern Uttar Pradesh. His career was marked by both political achievements and numerous criminal allegations.
Wiki/Biography
Mukhtar Ansari was born on Sunday, June 30, 1963 (age 63 at the time of death) in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. His political journey began with student council elections at Post Graduate Gazipur College Rambadh, after which he obtained a BA degree in 1984. Following graduation, he rose to become a powerful figure in Purvanchal.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 6’2″
- Hair Colour: Black
- Eye Colour: Black
Family & Caste
Mukhtar Ansari hailed from a notable Sunni Muslim family in Ghazipur. His father was Subhanullah Ansari, and his mother was Begum Rabia (who passed away in December 2018). His grandfather, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari, was a distinguished Indian freedom fighter and former president of both the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League. His maternal grandfather, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, was a decorated Indian Army officer who died in the Nowshera sector of Jammu and Kashmir in 1948, earning a posthumous Maha Vir Chakra.
He had two older brothers: Sibakatullah Ansari (a Bahujan Samaj Party MLA) and Afzal Ansari (a Lok Sabha member).
Relationships, Wife & Children
Ansari married Afsa Ansari on October 15, 1989. He had two sons: Abbas Ansari (a national-level shooting gold medalist and management graduate who entered politics) and Umar Ansari (also involved in politics).
Address
Tailor Tola, Kasba – Yusufpur, Post – Mohammedabad, District-Ghazipur
Early Crimes
Ansari’s involvement in crime began around 1988 with the killing of Sachidanand Rai. His name was also linked to the murder of Rajendra Singh, a police constable.
The Mafia Don of Purvanchal
By the 1990s, Ansari became a dominant criminal figure in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, extending his influence across Mau, Ghazipur, Varanasi, and Jaunpur. He controlled lucrative government contracts and engaged in extortion and kidnapping.
The Biggest Rivalry of Purvanchal
Ansari’s rivalry with Brijesh Singh, another powerful figure, stemmed from a land dispute in the early 1980s. This feud resulted in violent gang wars and numerous casualties. A significant event was a 2001 ambush on Ansari’s convoy, leading to a shootout.
The Krishnanand Rai Murder Case
Following Krishnanand Rai’s 2002 election victory over Afzal Ansari, accusations arose that Rai diverted government contracts to Brijesh Singh. Rai’s subsequent murder in 2005 resulted in an FIR naming Mukhtar Ansari, his brother, and Munna Bajrangi. Despite initial imprisonment, Ansari was later released when witnesses turned hostile. He was later convicted and sentenced, but subsequently granted bail.
Political Career
Ansari’s political career began in 1996 with a BSP victory in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. He was elected MLA from Mau five times, representing various parties. He also unsuccessfully contested the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.
Controversies & Criminal Charges
Ansari faced numerous criminal charges, including:
| Offense | Number of Charges |
|---|---|
| Criminal Intimidation (IPC Section 506) | 7 |
| Attempt to Murder (IPC Section 307) | 5 |
| Murder (IPC Section 302) | 5 |
| Dishonest Misappropriation (IPC Section 404) | 2 |
| Cheating (IPC Section 420) | 2 |
| Forgery (IPC Sections 467, 468) | 2 |
| Voluntarily Causing Grievous Hurt (IPC Section 325) | 1 |
| Rioting (IPC Sections 147, 148, 149) | 16 |
| Criminal Conspiracy (IPC Section 120B) | 6 |
| Assault on Public Servant (IPC Section 353) | 3 |
| Endangering Life (IPC Section 336) | 2 |
| Acts Done by Several Persons (IPC Section 34) | 2 |
| Cheating by Personation (IPC Section 419) | 1 |
| Abetment (IPC Section 109) | 1 |
| Intentional Insult (IPC Section 504) | 1 |
He received additional sentences under the Gangsters Act and for money laundering.
Net Worth
In 2017, his declared net worth was approximately ₹22 crore.
Death
Mukhtar Ansari died of a cardiac arrest on March 28, 2024, at Rani Durgawati Medical College in Banda district, Uttar Pradesh. His family alleged foul play prior to his death.
Facts/Trivia
- His grandfather, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari, was a founder of Jamia Millia Islamia University and a renowned surgeon.
- Former Vice President of India, Hamid Ansari, is a grandnephew of Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari.
- Ansari was known for both his controversial reputation and for acts of philanthropy in his region.
- The web series Raktanchal reportedly draws inspiration from the conflicts between Ansari and Brijesh Singh’s gangs.
