A three-member team has been appointed to conduct a magisterial investigation into the demise of the notorious gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, who passed away on Thursday. Ansari, who was incarcerated at Banda jail, suffered a fatal heart attack while in prison. The investigation will delve into the circumstances surrounding his death.

According to official sources, the postmortem examination of Ansari will be conducted by a panel of two doctors, with the entire procedure being videographed to ensure transparency. Subsequently, Ansari’s mortal remains will be handed over to his son, Umar Ansari.

The incident has sparked controversy, with Ansari’s older brother, Sibgatullah Ansari, alleging negligence on the part of the authorities. Sibgatullah claimed that despite Ansari’s deteriorating health and repeated pleas for medical attention, he was not provided with adequate treatment. He further stated that despite raising concerns with the administration and even approaching the courts, their grievances were not addressed.

Reacting to Ansari’s death, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati called for a high-level investigation to uncover the truth behind the circumstances leading to his demise. She emphasized the need for transparency and urged authorities to address the concerns raised by Ansari’s family.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the Uttar Pradesh government, stating that the state’s primary responsibility is to protect the lives of its citizens. Yadav called for thorough investigations into such cases under the supervision of a Supreme Court judge, emphasizing the importance of ensuring justice and accountability.