The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Uttar Pradesh government to furnish the medical and magisterial inquiry reports concerning the death of jailed gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, who passed away on March 28, 2024.

A bench comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S V N Bhatti issued the directive after senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Umar Ansari, son of Mukhtar Ansari, informed the court that the state had not yet provided the required reports. Mukhtar Ansari, who had been incarcerated since 2005, faced over 60 criminal cases and was convicted in the murder of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai.

Umar Ansari had approached the Supreme Court in December 2023, seeking his father’s transfer to a prison outside Uttar Pradesh, citing concerns for his life. The plea highlighted fears for Mukhtar Ansari’s safety, prompting assurances from the state government that security within Banda jail would be strengthened as needed.

Following Mukhtar Ansari’s death, which was reportedly due to cardiac arrest at a Banda hospital, his brother and Ghazipur MP Afzal Ansari alleged that he had been subjected to "slow poisoning" in jail. These allegations were denied by the authorities.

Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, assured the court on Thursday that the required documents would be provided to Umar Ansari. The bench noted that a post-mortem examination had been conducted, and a magisterial inquiry followed. It directed the state to submit the reports within two weeks, allowing Umar Ansari three weeks thereafter to file a response.

The plea also referenced a May 2024 order from the Allahabad High Court, which had directed enhanced security measures for Mukhtar Ansari after his wife raised concerns about his safety.

Mukhtar Ansari, 63, a five-time MLA from Mau Sadar, had a controversial political and criminal legacy. His death has reignited debates surrounding prison safety and alleged lapses in protecting high-profile inmates.