Gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari passed away due to cardiac arrest at a hospital in Uttar Pradesh’s Banda on Thursday. Ansari was transferred to Rani Durgavati Medical College from the district jail after he was found unconscious following complaints of vomiting. Despite efforts by a team of nine doctors, he succumbed to cardiac arrest, according to a medical bulletin.

Preparations for Mukhtar Ansari’s funeral are underway at Kali Bagh Graveyard in Ghazipur, where his body will be handed over to his son, Umar Ansari, post-mortem.

Following Ansari’s demise, heightened security measures have been implemented across Uttar Pradesh. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code have been enforced to curb large gatherings. Additional security forces have been deployed in Banda, Mau, Ghazipur, and Varanasi districts.

Mukhtar Ansari had been hospitalized for approximately 14 hours earlier, citing abdominal pain. His family alleges that he was being “slow-poisoned” through food provided in Banda jail.

A panel of five doctors has been appointed to conduct Mukhtar Ansari’s autopsy.

Alka Rai, the wife of Krishnanand Rai, a former BJP MLA murdered by Ansari, expressed satisfaction with the news. “This is the blessing of the Almighty. I prayed for justice, and it has been served. We haven’t celebrated Holi since the incident. Today feels like Holi for us,” she remarked.

The passing of Mukhtar Ansari marks the end of a controversial figure in Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape. His death has ignited discussions about prison conditions, security protocols, and the justice system’s efficacy. As authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding his demise, Ansari’s legacy continues to evoke strong reactions from various quarters of society.

Check here for the latest updates in Hindi!