Date: June 5, 2023
In a significant development, Mukhtar Ansari, a notorious gangster-politician, has been found guilty in the murder case of Congress leader Awadhesh Rai by the court of special judge (MP-MLA) Avanish Gautam. The verdict was delivered on Monday, and the court is set to announce the quantum of punishment after 2 pm. Alongside Ansari, four other individuals are also accused in this case.
The incident in question dates back to August 3, 1991, when Awadhesh Rai was fatally shot outside his residence in the Lahurabir area of Varanasi. Following his murder, Rai’s brother Ajay Rai lodged a named FIR against Mukhtar Ansari, Bheem Singh, the late former MLA Abdul Kalam, Rakesh Nyayik, and two others.
This conviction comes on the heels of Ansari being sentenced to ten years in prison by a Ghazipur court in December 2022, under the provisions of the Gangster Act of 1996. Aside from the Awadhesh Rai murder case, Ansari has been implicated in several other criminal incidents, including the murder of Rajendra Singh with the Cantt police in Varanasi, the Vashishth Tiwari alias Mala Guru murder case with Kotwali Ghazipur in 1988, the murder of constable Raghuvansh Singh in Mughalsarai of Chandauli in 1991, and a murderous attack on an additional superintendent of police and other policemen in Kotwali Ghazipur in 1996.
Mukhtar Ansari’s notoriety extends beyond criminal activities, as he has also been actively involved in politics. He was a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Mau constituency in Uttar Pradesh, representing the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). However, due to his criminal record and alleged involvement in various criminal cases, he was disqualified from holding public office.
The conviction of Ansari in the Awadhesh Rai murder case marks a significant step in bringing justice to the victims and their families. It serves as a reminder that the wheels of justice may turn slowly, but they do not stop. The outcome of this trial will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications, not only for Mukhtar Ansari but also for the political landscape in Uttar Pradesh.
As the court prepares to announce the sentence, many are eagerly awaiting the judgment, hoping that it will bring closure to the long-standing case and provide some solace to the family of Awadhesh Rai.