Incarcerated UP MLA Mukhtar Ansari, wife shifted to PGI Lucknow

Lucknow: Was incarcerated MLA Mukhtar Ansari poisoned along with his wife outside the jail on Tuesday? But the state authorities have denied the reports and have claimed that the couple suffered a heart attack inside the Banda jail.

Contrary to the authorities' claim, some inside sources, though without confirming, suggest that he was outside the jail and was along with his wife when both of them were poisoned.

His wife, who had come to meet him in jail, also suffered cardiac arrest and both were immediately shifted to a hospital.

According to jail authorities, condition of the couple is very critical and they have been referred to Hallet hospital in Kanpur.

Later in the day, the couple was shifted to PGI hospital in Lucknow in two ambulances. Both the sons of the Mukhtar Ansari were present in the convoy which travelled through to Lucknow along with heavy police force. They have been admitted to the hospital.

Also Read: No more national anthem in cinema halls. SC recalls its 2016 order

Taking cognizance of the matter, Principal Secretary Home Arvind Kumar has sought a joint report from Banda District Magistrate and SSP. "The Ansari couple has been referred to Kanpur Medical College. All the medical assistance will be provided to them," he said.

It may be mentioned that the five-time legislator, who faces 16 cases of murder and attempted murder along with rioting, has been in prison for the last 12 years. He is currently Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) legislator from Mau.

Ansari is also a prime accused in murder of Bharatiya Janata Party legislator Krishnanand Rai.