Mukhtar Ansari's Culinary Pursuits:
Former legislator and mafia don Mukhtar Ansari, is no longer with us. On Thursday, after falling ill in the Banda Jail of UP, he was admitted to Banda Medical College, where he suffered a heart attack during treatment and passed away. Mukhtar had been imprisoned for the last 19 years, which is why he often complained about the jail food. Such was his situation that he had begged for better meals during a virtual hearing in the MP-MLA court, asking the Special Session Judge for snacks, fruit, and something crunchy.
A Gourmet's Pleasure:
Mukhtar Ansari was never so helpless and powerless. His sway and fearlessness had full reign even in the confines of prison. He relished what he desired. While countless stories about Mukhtar Ansari's life are often shared, the tale of his passion for food is particularly fascinating.
A Sanctuary Called Jail:
Once, the prisons of Uttar Pradesh served as Mukhtar Ansari's sanctuaries, from where he orchestrated his schemes. No prison walls ever hindered his whims. Times were different back then. In November 2005, BJP legislator Krishnanand Rai was assassinated with bullets when Mukhtar was confined in Fatehgarh Jail.
Source: aajtak
The Pond Dug Within Jail:
Just a month before the incident, Mukhtar Ansari was transferred from Ghazipur Jail to Fatehgarh Jail, which some believed to be part of his conspiracy. Recalling those times, Brijlal, then IG (Law & Order) in Uttar Pradesh Police said, "Ghazipur Jail was virtually Mukhtar's home. To enjoy his favorite fish dishes, he had a pond excavated within the jail itself. Formal courts would take place in the evening. District officials would come to play badminton with Mukhtar Ansari."
Feasting on Fish in Jail:
Fond of fish, Mukhtar faced jail's bland diet. Unable to have food delivered from outside daily, he took the matter into his own hands by digging a pond inside the jail and filling it with fish. Whenever the mood struck, he would have a fish caught and cooked on-site. Not just that, high-ranking officials and prominent politicians would often join him for meals in the jail, where he also indulged in games.
Must Read - A Glimpse into Mukhtar: From Freedom Fighter Grandfather to Vice President Uncle... The Complete History of Mafia Don Mukhtar Ansari's Family
Mukhtar's Clout and Political Patronage:
Mukhtar's influence, backed by political safeguarding, was immense. The reaction to an STF Deputy SP's imposition of POTA on Mukhtar Ansari in 2004 speaks volumes about his influence; even the government turned against the officer, berating him as though he'd committed a severe crime.
Source: aajtak
The Jail Superintendent Murder Case Connection:
Whether it was Agra Central Jail, Ghazipur Jail, Lucknow Jail, or Banda Jail, none could thwart Mukhtar Ansari's ambitions. Many years ago, across from Lucknow's Raj Bhavan, Jail Superintendent R.K. Tiwari was murdered in a shooting linked to Mukhtar's close associates; he was accused of orchestrating the plot while himself incarcerated in Lucknow Jail.
Mukhtar's Reluctance for UP Jails:
Now, the strongman Mukhtar Ansari not only wanted out of Banda Jail but also any UP jail. That's why during his stay in Punjab's Ropar Jail, Mukhtar went to great lengths to avoid being transferred back to UP, never even applying for bail in the case for which he was held there.
Must Watch - The Unraveling of Krishnanand Rai Murder Case and the Involvement of Strongman Mukhtar Ansari: The Full Story
Sent Back to UP on Supreme Court Orders:
When the Uttar Pradesh government sought Supreme Court intervention for his return, he cited poor health, inability to travel, and even requested video conferencing for hearings. However, none of his pleas prevailed, and he was transferred from Ropar to Banda Jail. Following the BJP's rise to power in UP, action began against notorious mafias like Mukhtar Ansari, Atique Ahmad, and Vijay Mishra. In Baghpat Jail, Mukhtar's sharpshooter Munna Bajrangi was also killed.
