No Poison Detected in Viscera of Gangster-Turned-Politician Mukhtar Ansari, Says UP Police

Mukhtar Ansari, a five-time MLA from Mau Sadar who had been jailed since 2005, died of a heart attack on March 28, 2023, while serving a conviction in Banda jail in Uttar Pradesh. He was 63 years old at the time of his death.

Ansari's family had alleged that he was poisoned in prison, leading to his death. However, the viscera test report and post-mortem examination have concluded that Ansari died of a heart attack (myocardial infarction). "The viscera report from the Forensic Science Laboratory stated that no poison was detected," a senior hospital source who oversaw the post-mortem examination said.

The autopsy was conducted by a panel of five doctors at Rani Durgavati Medical College, and Ansari's younger son, Umar Ansari, was present during the procedure. "The post-mortem report confirmed that Ansari died of cardiac arrest," the hospital source added.

Separate judicial and magisterial inquiries are ongoing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ansari's death. The viscera report has been submitted to the judicial investigation team, providing a major breather for the authorities at Banda jail.

Why this matters: Mukhtar Ansari was a notorious gangster-turned-politician who had been booked in 65 criminal cases ranging from murder to extortion. His death while in custody and the subsequent allegations of poisoning by his family members raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his demise, prompting judicial inquiries.

Ansari had previously alleged that there were attempts on his life inside the jail and that he was being poisoned. Despite these claims, the viscera report has ruled out the presence of any poison, attributing his death to a heart attack. The report corroborates the initial findings of the authorities, who stated that Ansari suffered a heart attack and was rushed to a government hospital where he passed away.

Key Takeaways

• Mukhtar Ansari, a 5-time MLA, died of a heart attack in Banda jail on March 28, 2023.
• Ansari's family alleged poisoning, but viscera report found no poison, confirming heart attack.
• Autopsy by 5-doctor panel and Ansari's son present confirmed cardiac arrest as cause of death.
• Judicial and magisterial inquiries ongoing, viscera report submitted to investigation team.
• Ansari was a notorious gangster-turned-politician with 65 criminal cases, his death in custody raised questions.