Former Bahadurganj Nagar Panchayat chairman Riyaz Ansari, his wife and two associates, feel the heat in UP’s Ghazipur
NEW DELHI – The Ghazipur police have launched an operation against the alleged criminal network of the late politician Mukhtar Ansari’s close aide, Riyaz Ahmed Ansari. Acting on the approval of District Magistrate Ghazipur, police have registered a case under the Gangster and Anti-Social Activities Prevention Act, 1986 (Gangster Act), against Riyaz, his wife Nikhat Parveen, and associates Parvez Jamal and Nazir Ahmed.
According to officials, Riyaz Ansari, 62, a resident of Ward No. 11, Dakshin Mohalla, Bahadurganj, has long been accused of operating a gang known as D-131/25. The group allegedly grabbed land, forged documents to seize property, and intimidated witnesses to prevent them from testifying in court.
District authorities on Sunday confirmed that after a detailed examination of the gang chart, the District Magistrate gave his approval for action. Following this, Kasimabad police registered a formal case against the accused.
Speaking to reporters, Superintendent of Police, Ghazipur, said: “This gang had created an atmosphere of fear in the district. People were reluctant to complain against them because they often invoked the name of Mukhtar Ansari to scare locals.”
Police reports allege that Riyaz Ansari exploited his proximity to Mukhtar Ansari, the five-time MLA from Mau who died in March last year in judicial custody, to build influence in the region. Using his political power — he once served as chairman of Bahadurganj Nagar Panchayat on a Samajwadi Party ticket — Riyaz allegedly strengthened his network and silenced opposition.
Local residents claim they lived under constant fear. “For years, people avoided raising their voices against him because everyone knew his connection with Mukhtar Ansari. Complaints would never move forward,” said a shopkeeper from Bahadurganj who requested anonymity.
According to investigators, the gang forced individuals to hand over land and money, while false documents were prepared to legitimise illegal property deals. Witnesses in pending cases against Riyaz and his associates were reportedly threatened to withdraw or stay silent.
Riyaz’s position as Nagar Panchayat chairman increased his clout, making it harder for residents to challenge his dominance. A retired schoolteacher from Ghazipur commented: “Riyaz was not just a local leader, he had the political backing to shield himself. This is why no one dared to oppose him openly.”
Officials state that the Gangster Act was invoked to dismantle the entrenched influence of the D-131 gang. The legislation, designed to curb organised crime and habitual offenders, gives authorities the power to act strongly against gangs involved in systematic criminal activities.
A senior police officer explained: “This action is meant to break the chain of fear. We want to assure people that law will protect them, and no one will be allowed to misuse the name of Mukhtar Ansari to spread terror.”
The arrests have been met with cautious relief in Ghazipur. While many welcome the move, residents remain wary of how effectively the crackdown will be implemented.
Shabana Khatoon, a homemaker from Dakshin Mohalla, said: “People are happy that the police have finally taken action, but they also want justice in old cases. Otherwise, nothing will change.”
Others argue that the problem is not limited to one gang. “Such gangs thrive only when politics protects them. If the government is serious, it should act against all such networks, not just one,” said Abdul Qayyum, a youth leader in Ghazipur.
The latest action against Riyaz Ansari comes at a time when the state government is under pressure to show it is serious about law and order. Mukhtar Ansari himself was jailed for years, yet his name continues to carry weight in eastern Uttar Pradesh politics.
Analysts believe that the tightening of the Gangster Act against Riyaz and his associates could be a turning point. But they also warn that local residents will judge success not by headlines, but by whether they feel genuinely safe.
