Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – Notorious gangster and five-term MLA Mukhtar Ansari has been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in a 32-year-old murder case by a court in Varanasi. Ansari, who was also fined ₹1,00,000, has now received his sixth conviction among the 61 criminal cases registered against him. An additional 20 cases against him are still pending trial in various parts of the state.
The case in question dates back to 1991 when Ansari, then a rising political figure, was charged with the murder of Congress leader Awadhesh Rai. The incident occurred on August 3, 1991, outside the residence of Awadhesh’s brother and former MLA, Ajay Rai, in Varanasi. At the time of the crime, Ansari had not yet become an MLA. The court complex tightened security prior to delivering the verdict. In the First Information Report (FIR), Ajay Rai had named Mukhtar Ansari, Bhim Singh, former MLA Abdul Kalim, and two others as the accused. Ajay Rai currently holds a prominent position as the regional chief of Congress’s Uttar Pradesh unit.
Ajay Rai expressed his satisfaction with the court’s decision, stating, “This marks the end of our 32-year struggle against a notorious criminal. My family, including myself, my parents, and Awadhesh’s daughter, never lost hope. Despite changes in governments over the years, Mukhtar Ansari only grew stronger.”
He continued, emphasizing that those who stand up against gangsters and fight for justice will eventually prevail. “We faced threats throughout this process. I have consistently requested enhanced security, and it should be provided. If anything untoward happens to me, the BJP government will bear responsibility,” Rai warned.
This recent conviction adds to Ansari’s legal troubles, as he was already serving a 10-year jail term in another kidnapping and murder case since April of this year. Numerous criminal charges, including land grabbing, murder, and extortion, are registered against him.
The Varanasi MP MLA court concluded the hearing for the Awadhesh Rai murder case on May 19 after final arguments were presented. The court reserved its order and scheduled June 5 as the date for delivering the verdict.
Mukhtar Ansari, despite his criminal background, has managed to win five assembly elections in 1996, 2002, 2007, 2012, and 2017. Remarkably, the last three victories occurred while he was behind bars. Furthermore, his son Abbas Ansari secured a victory in the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections of 2022 from Mau Sadar, their traditional stronghold, representing the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP).
With this conviction in the 32-year-old murder case, Mukhtar Ansari’s criminal activities are being confronted by the justice system. The verdict sends a strong message that criminals, regardless of their political affiliations or power, will be held accountable for their actions and brought to justice.
