Mukhtar Ansari was a name often associated with brute force and mafioso dons, yet few knew of his prowess in cricket and sharpshooting during his college days. Mukhtar, popularly known among friends as 'Lambu', often cruised through the roads of Mohammadabad and Ghazipur on his beloved Bullet motorcycles and jeeps.
Expensive Car Enthusiast
When Gangster-turned-Legislator Mukhtar's penchant for luxurious cars was evident in the choice of vehicles that formed his convoy. With changing times, his collection boasted of Maruti Gypsies, Tata Safaris, Ford Endeavors, Pajero Sports, Audis, and BMWs. In the '80s and '90s, his brother Afzal, a member of the Legislative Assembly, shared his love for bullet bikes, ambassador cars, and jeeps for their hunting escapades.
Signature '786'-Plated Vehicles
This era saw the arrival of Maruti Gypsum, Maruti vehicles, and vans in the market, driven by Mukhtar with great fondness. When Mukhtar first emerged from jail after the Hariharpur Sachidanand Rai murder case in 1986, he was escorted by a convoy of luxury vehicles, all bearing the number 786.
Unfulfilled Aspirations for This Vehicle
As the Tata Safari craze took over that era, Mukhtar Ansari desired to include a white open Gypsy and multiple single-colored Tata Safaris, all decked with the number 786 in his fleet. Imprisoned Mukhtar wished to upgrade his convoy with the international market SUV 'Hummer', a wish that's remained unmet to date.
Luxury Lives on with Family
The expanse of Mukhtar's car collection tells the tale of his indulgence. Since 2005, while Mukhtar himself was confined to prison, his wife and children have relished in the pleasure of driving cars like Audis, Mercedes-Benzes, and BMWs. It's commonplace for his sons Abbas and Umar to have Toyota Fortuners, Ford Endeavors, and a BMW among their collection of vehicles.
From Land Seizures to Personal Gain...
Mukhtar succeeded in crafting a Robin Hood-like persona, looting from the rich to give to the poor; after entering politics, he amassed wealth and power. In 1995, Mukhtar targeted a plot in the Mahuabagh market area with a Shia Muslim graveyard, gradually displacing locals and illegally constructing the Gazal Hotel and shopping complex, with just a small area still designated as the graveyard. Legal battles ensued, but outcomes were negligible. In the 2002 elections, Mukhtar's brother Afzal lost the Mohammadabad seat to Krishna Nand Rai of the BJP.
