Jailed Mukhtar Ansari Dies: Hospital Claims Heart Attack; Family Claims Foul Play Alleges Poisoning

Mukhtar Ansari, the five time MLA from Uttar Pradesh's Mau died on Thursday due to a cardiac arrest at a hospital. Ansari, who was imprisoned in Banda jail, had been rushed to the hospital after losing consciousness. Following Ansari's death, his family has alleged that he had been poisoned while in prison. 

Mukhtar Ansari's brother Afzal Ansari accused the authorities of attempting to murder him through poisoning. The allegations come after a series of concerns that was raised by Ansari's family pertaining to his safety while in custody. Ansari's son, Umar Ansari, had previously approached the Supreme Court, expressing fears that the state government was plotting his father's assassination in the Banda jail. 

The family's allegations of poisoning have prompted calls from various politicians, including Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati, for a thorough investigation into the matter. Mukhtar Ansari's autopsy will be conducted by a team of doctors at the Banda Medical College Hospital later today. 

Security has been heightened in several districts where Ansari wielded influence, with prohibitory orders imposed to prevent any potential unrest. Ansari's influence extended beyond his hometown of Mau, with significant political ramifications in adjoining districts. A large crowd has gathered outside his residence in Ghazipur. Special deployment of forces and heightened vigilance on social media platforms are part of efforts to maintain peace and order in the wake Ansari's death. 

Ansari's criminal history dates back several decades, with numerous cases against him, including murder charges. He was associated with a gang involved in extortion and kidnapping in several districts of Uttar Pradesh. Despite being in jail since 2005, Ansari maintained a significant political presence, representing various constituencies over the years.