In a significant development, Varanasi’s MP-MLA court has handed down a life imprisonment sentence to Mukhtar Ansari, a notorious gangster-turned-politician, for his involvement in the 1991 murder case of Awadhesh Rai. Ansari, a former Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA, was found guilty of orchestrating the killing of Awadhesh Rai, who was a Congress leader and the brother of former MLA Ajay Rai. The court’s verdict, which also includes a fine of Rs 1 lakh, comes after 32 years of relentless pursuit of justice by the victim’s family and supporters.
Background:
The tragic incident occurred on August 3, 1991, when Awadhesh Rai was standing outside his brother Ajay’s residence in Varanasi’s Lahurabir area. Assailants, driving a Maruti van, opened fire on Awadhesh, leaving him critically wounded. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.
Legal Proceedings:
Following the heinous crime, Ajay Rai lodged a First Information Report (FIR) at Chetganj police station, implicating Mukhtar Ansari, Bhim Singh, Kamlesh Singh, Rakesh, and former MLA Abdul Kalam in the murder. Notably, two of the accused, Kamlesh and Abdul Kalam, have since passed away. During the court proceedings, two eyewitnesses bravely testified against Mukhtar Ansari, providing critical evidence that further cemented his guilt.
Ajay Rai’s Reaction:
Reacting to the court’s verdict, Ajay Rai expressed immense satisfaction, stating, “This is the result of 32 years of hard work by us and the people who stood by us in this battle.” The judgment offers a sense of closure and justice to the victim’s family, who have endured the pain and agony of the loss for over three decades.
Previous Convictions:
This recent sentencing adds to a long list of convictions for Mukhtar Ansari. In April of this year, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined Rs 5 lakh by an MP-MLA court in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. This case involved the kidnapping and murder of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai. Additionally, Mukhtar’s brother, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP Afzal Ansari, was also found guilty in the same case and received a four-year prison term along with a fine of Rs 1 lakh. Furthermore, in the 2007 Gangsters Act case, Mukhtar Ansari was sentenced to ten years in prison and fined five lakh rupees by the Ghazipur court.
Conclusion:
With the MP-MLA court’s decision to sentence Mukhtar Ansari to life imprisonment for his involvement in the Awadhesh Rai murder case, a chapter of justice has finally been closed. This landmark verdict is a testament to the unwavering determination of the victim’s family and their relentless pursuit of justice. The sentencing serves as a reminder that the Indian judiciary remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring that criminals are held accountable for their actions. Mukhtar Ansari’s conviction in multiple cases further highlights the gravity of his criminal activities, as he now faces the consequences of his long list of unlawful deeds.