Lucknow/UNI: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati and Samajwadi Party (SP) president on Friday demanded a high-level probe into the death of mafia-turned-politician and former MLA Mukhtar Ansari.

Taking to X, Mayawati wrote, "A high-level inquiry is needed over the apprehensions and serious allegations being levelled by Mukhtar Ansari's family regarding his death in jail, so that the real cause of his death can be revealed. It is natural for his family to be sad in such a situation. May nature give them the strength to bear this sorrow."

Akhilesh wrote, "It is the first responsibility and duty of the government to protect someone's life in every situation and at every place.

"The death of a under trial or prisoner in any of the following circumstances will erode public confidence in the judicial process: while confined in the police station, in struggle inside the jail, on falling ill inside the jail, while being taken to court, while being taken to the hospital, during treatment in hospital, in false encounter, by pretending to commit suicide, and by showing casualties in an accident."

He said, "All such doubtful cases should be investigated under the supervision of a Supreme Court judge. The way the government bypasses the judicial process and adopts other methods is completely illegal.

"A government that cannot protect life has no right to remain in power. Uttar Pradesh is going through the worst phase of 'government anarchy'. This is a 'zero hour of law and order' in UP."

It may be noted that Mukhtar, who was lodged in Banda jail, was taken to Rani Durgawati Medical College in a serious condition on Thursday night, where he died due to cardiac arrest. Mukhtar's family members have alleged foul play behind his death.