Lucknow, Mukhtar Ansari, a jailed Muslim leader and former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), died in Uttar Pradesh, sparking the imposition of Section 144 across the state as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Ansari, aged 63, passed away shortly after being transported from Banda jail to a hospital for emergency care, as confirmed by state officials. His demise comes three months following an appeal to the Supreme Court by his legal team, fearing for his life while in custody.

In response to the situation, UP Director General of Police Prashant Kumar announced the enforcement of prohibitory orders under section 144 throughout Uttar Pradesh. To bolster security, additional police forces, alongside teams of the Central Reserve Police Force, have been deployed in several districts, including Banda, Mau, Ghazipur, and Varanasi, to prevent any unrest.

This development follows allegations by Ansari’s brother, Afzal Ansari, a former MP and Samajwadi Party candidate, who claimed that Mukhtar was being poisoned in jail as part of a conspiracy to murder him. These accusations were made public just two days before Mukhtar Ansari’s death, amid reports of his deteriorating health and inability to participate in virtual court hearings.

A medical bulletin from Rani Durgavati Medical College, where Ansari was admitted, stated that he died of cardiac arrest after experiencing vomiting and loss of consciousness. However, these official claims have been met with skepticism due to the prior allegations of foul play and concerns over Ansari’s safety in custody, including a petition by his son Umar Ansari to the Supreme Court seeking his transfer from UP jail due to fears of an assassination plot.

Mukhtar Ansari was a prominent political figure in Uttar Pradesh, having been elected MLA five times from Mau district. His contentious relationship with the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government saw him and his associates face numerous legal battles, with the state labeling him a “gangster” and taking action against his assets and family members.

The delay in the post-mortem examination and the handover of Ansari’s body to his family has raised further questions, with his elder brother, Sibgatullah Ansari, expressing frustration over the administrative procedures and reiterating concerns of slow poisoning previously communicated to the court by Mukhtar Ansari.