A gangster turned politician Mukhtar Ansari has his first encounter with crime at the age of 15. The Ansari family is known for its respectable famous individuals as well as infamous and controversial figures. He died on 28th March 2024 at the age of 60 due to cardiac arrest. Ansari died while he was in jail or being convicted in many cases. He was a five times MLA from the Mau Sadar constituency of eastern UP. Mukhtar has 63 criminal cases registered against him which includes murder, extortion, kidnapping etc. Ansari was known as a famous ‘Bahubali’ of the Purvanchal region.
The Ansari Family’s Legacy: A Blend of Eminence and Infamy
Mukhtar Ansari came from a famous family with a strong history in India’s independence movement. His paternal grandfather, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari, was a notable leader in the Indian National Congress. He served as its president in 1927-28. Later as the Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia until his death in 1936. Mukhtar’s maternal grandfather, Brigadier Mohammad Usman Ansari, known as the ‘Lion of Nowshera,’ was a Mahavir Chakra awardee.
The family’s connection to prominent figures continues with former Vice President of India. Hamid Ansari, being related to them. Thus showcasing their significant contributions to India’s political and social fabric.
Although, the family’s legacy is not without controversy. Mukhtar’s brother, Afzal Ansari, the BSP MP from Ghazipur, has a criminal history. He has been fielded by the Samajwadi Party for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Mukhtar’s son, Abbas Ansari, is currently jailed. Abbas is also a convicted criminal and an MLA from Mau seat. He waselected in 2022 on the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party’s ticket.
Another brother, Sibgatullah Ansari, is a former two-time MLA from Mohammadabad. His son Suhaib Ansari currently serving as the SP leader and incumbent MLA from the same constituency. The Ansari family’s legacy reflects a complex and multifaceted nature. With blending notable achievements and criminal affiliations.
Mukhtar Ansari’s Criminal Empire and the Law’s Retaliation
Mukhtar Ansari, the leader of the inter-provincial gang IS-191. Having a notorious history of murder, robbery, kidnapping, and extortion. Ansari has faced trials across Delhi, Punjab, and multiple districts in Uttar Pradesh. He became the target of an intensified crackdown by the UP government and police since 2020. This effort identified 297 gang members, leading to 161 new cases. A senior police officer noted the action against 175 licensed arms holders. Which were linked to the mafia. Leading to the elimination of five gang members in police encounters.
The crackdown also targeted the financial foundation of Ansari’s operations. Properties worth over Rs 600 crore were seized from 164 aides under the Gangster Act. Around six individuals faced actions under the National Security Act. Illegal businesses valued at Rs 215 crore were shut down. Thus cutting off significant revenue streams. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the state’s determination to dismantle Ansari’s criminal empire. In order to restore law and order.
ED Case Against Mukhtar Anasari
Based on many FIRs filed by the Uttar Pradesh Police, the Directorate of Enforcement opened an inquiry under the PMLA, 2002 against Mukhtar Ansari (Ex-MLA) and his assistants. This Directorate learned throughout the inquiry that the Uttar Pradesh Police had filed two further FIRs against M/s Vikas Constructions (a partnership business) for constructing godowns on public or government land after invading it. The godowns were built in the Uttar Pradesh districts of Mau and Ghazipur.
Smt. Afshan Ansari (the wife of Mukhtar Ansari), her two brothers Atif Raza and Anwar Shahzad, as well as Ravindra Narayan Singh and Zakir Hussain, were the owners of the company M/s Vikas Construction. UP Police has filed the charge sheet in one of the FIRs registered in Mau District of UP in which all the partners of the firm M/s Vikas construction have been made accused.
The PMLA inquiry found that M/s Vikas Construction unlawfully built godowns on public or government property in the UP districts of Mau and Ghazipur, where rent to the tune of Rs. 15 crores was collected from Food Corporation of India.
Additionally, this rent was utilised to buy real estate in the names of M/s Vikas Construction and Smt. Afshan Ansari. The Directorate of Enforcement has located these immovable properties and has temporarily attached seven immovable properties worth Rs. 1.48 crore (registry value). At the time of registration, the attached properties’ circular rate was Rs. 3.42 Crore.
UP Government Cracks Down on Ansari’s Benami Properties
On Sunday, the Uttar Pradesh government demolished illegal portions of a residential structure. Which belonged to deceased Kamlesh Singh “Pradhan,” a gang member of Mukhtar Ansari, in Ghazipur district. This action was undertaken amid heavy police presence. This is part of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s intensified campaign against the mafia. In a recent Assembly address, Adityanath vowed to dismantle the mafia network in the state. By accusing the previous Samajwadi Party government of fostering criminal activities. He emphasised the government’s commitment to eradicating the mafia. Thus ensuring all the needed efforts for this mission.
Mukhtar Ansari’s Criminal Empire and Role of his Wife
With the recent death of gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari. His wife, Afsha, has emerged as a new figure of interest. Multiple criminal cases are wanting her and she is evading capture. She also chose to skip her husband’s funeral, which police heavily monitored. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led the crackdown on the mafia in Uttar Pradesh. He strictly targeted the wealth and illegal enterprises run by the wives of jailed gangsters. Which included Mukhtar Ansari and his wife.
Afsha Ansari was accused in six criminal cases. There was a reward of Rs 75,000 for her arrest. A significant government action was taken against her assets. Her illegal businesses, includes a hotel and several plots of land valued in crores. These were demolished or seized as part of the UP government’s effort. In order to take down the mafia’s economic base. The crackdown began in 2020. Which had a significant impact on the finances of Ansari’s group.
Mukhtar Ansari was jailed in 2005. For the murder of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai. His criminal empire, IS-191, run by his family members in his absence. His wife, Afsha, played a crucial role in maintaining the link between Ansari and his gang members. The UP government’s actions in the past three years have resulted in financial losses. This amounted to over Rs 850 crore of loss. Thus severely impacting the network’s operations. And signalling a strong blow against organised crime in the state.
High Court Quashes Charges Against Mukhtar Ansari’s Son
The Allahabad High Court has took back the criminal proceedings against Mau MLA Abbas Ansari. Last March, authorities took the son of jailed gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari into custody. The incident occurred in a March of last year. The charges stemmed from a celebratory procession led by Abbas. After winning the Mau Sadar seat in the state Assembly election. The case accused Abbas and his associates of blocking a road. The court concluded that a retrial was necessary for this case.
Umar Ansari, Abbas’s brother, also received a guilty verdict along with Abbas. Authorities implicated Mansoor Ansari, an election agent, and his allies Shakir and Sahid Lari. They faced charges under sections 171-H, 188, and 341 of the Indian Penal Code. Authorities are currently holding Abbas in Kasganj jail due to numerous additional charges. Although the court has decided to quash the chargesheet and cognisance order in this specific case. Hence offers a temporary relief to Mukhtar Ansari’s children amidst ongoing legal battles.
A Multifaceted Ansari Legacy
Mukhtar Ansari’s life and death highlight the intricate blend of notoriety and respectability within the Ansari family. While his criminal activities and political influence have left a deep imprint on the Purvanchal region. The UP government’s decisive actions against his syndicate and assets signify a strong stance against organised crime. As authorities continue to dismantle the remnants of his empire. The Ansari family’s legacy remains a complex tapestry of eminent contributions and controversial affiliations.
