VARANASI: After an excruciating wait of over three decades, a special court in UP’s Varanasi on Monday pronounced its verdict in the Avadhesh Rai murder case, sentencing notorious mafia-politician Mukhtar Ansari to life imprisonment.
Ansari, a prominent figure in UP’s criminal world, was found guilty of orchestrating the assassination of Avadhesh Rai, the brother of Congress leader Ajay Rai, in a brazen daylight attack on August 3, 1991.
The court proceedings were held amidst tight security, with Ansari virtually present from Banda Jail, while the remaining accused were physically presented in court. A substantial number of police personnel were deployed both inside and outside the court premises.
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Additionally, the intelligence branch of the police closely monitored the activities of associates of gangster Ansari – who heads gang number IS-191.
The case was filed by Avadhesh’s brother Ajay Rai against several individuals, including Mukhtar Ansari, former MLA Abdul Kalam, Rakesh Nyayik, Bhim Singh, and Munna Bajrangi. Subsequently, the case was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough investigation. After meticulous examination of evidence, statements from witnesses, and testimonies of the accused, the court found Ansari guilty of the crime.
A fine of ₹1.2 lakh has also been imposed on Ansari
Notably, Ansari held no legislative position at the time of the murder, nor does he hold one currently. However, his influence and criminal activities have earned him notoriety across the region.
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The 61-year-old mafia don has faced numerous legal troubles, with a staggering 61 cases registered against him in different police stations of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Punjab. These cases primarily involve charges of murder, making him one of the most feared and wanted criminals in UP.
In an interesting turn of events, prior to the verdict, Mukhtar Ansari’s lawyer expressed concerns about his client’s safety in jail. A petition was submitted, suggesting the possibility of an attack on Ansari by unknown individuals while behind bars.
According to the police, Ansari has been convicted in six criminal cases so far. As part of a wide crackdown on his network, police have taken strict action against 288 of his gang members, and demolished or freed properties worth ₹586 crores.
Police have also shut down illegal businesses of the gang worth ₹2100 crores.