In Ghazipur, a Muslim politician Mukhtar Ansari was laid to rest at the Kali Bagh burial ground on Saturday. His body was taken to the family’s ancestral burial ground, which is located about half a kilometer from their residence. The burial preparations began on Friday with the digging of a grave. The local administration ensured extensive security arrangements both at Ansari’s residence and the burial ground.
Ansari reportedly passed away due to a cardiac arrest on Thursday, according to authorities. However, his family alleged that he was given poison while in jail. His body was brought back to his hometown late on Friday night, and the burial rituals were conducted at the residence before the procession to the cemetery.
The procession to the Kali Bagh burial ground was led by family members, including his son Umar Ansari and brother Afzal Ansari. A large crowd accompanied the procession, with some individuals raising slogans. Police had a tough time managing the crowd, particularly those attempting to enter the restricted area of the burial ground.
To maintain order, security personnel, including paramilitary forces, were deployed in significant numbers around Ansari’s residence and the burial site.
The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Varanasi Range, O P Singh, confirmed the deployment of adequate police forces. He also mentioned that Ansari’s family was cooperating with the authorities. Measures were taken to prevent overcrowding, with announcements being made to regulate the influx of people since Friday night.
On Friday, Suhaib Ansari, an MLA from the Samajwadi Party and Mukhtar Ansari’s nephew, posted on social media about his uncle’s passing and announced the burial arrangements, urging people to pray for Ansari’s forgiveness.
Mukhtar Ansari, who was incarcerated in Banda jail, was rushed to Rani Durgawati Medical College on Thursday night when his health deteriorated. He passed away during treatment at the hospital. Following a post-mortem examination on Friday, Ansari’s body was transported from Banda to his native Ghazipur amidst tight security arrangements.
The convoy, including the ambulance carrying Ansari’s body and police vehicles, traveled approximately 400 kilometers through several districts of Uttar Pradesh.
