Uttar Pradesh: Former Congress MLA writes to guv, seeks security citing threat from Mukhtar Ansari

VARANASI: Former Congres MLA Ajay Rai has written to Uttar Pradesh governor Anandiben Patel seeking security cover by claiming threat from mafia-turned MLA Mukhtar Ansari.
In his letter, Rai said that he had already informed chief minister Yogi Adityanath on February 6 that he was appearing before the MP MLA court in Prayagraj as a witness against Mukhtar in a case related to his brother Awadhesh Rai's murder. Rai said his security cover had been withdrawn and arms licences have also been cancelled.
“The CM did not take note of my letter while the security personnel given to me on bearing 10% prescribed expanses were also withdrawn,” said Rai.
“If the government is really interested in ensuring punishment to Mukhtar, why did it put my life at stake by withdrawing my security cover despite knowing that my evidence will ensure capital punishment for him,” Rai claimed.
The Congress functionary had opened front against the BJP on the issue of Ansari in October 2020 after its MLA and Krishnanand Rai’s widow Alka Rai started writing letters to Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accusing that Congress-led Punjab government was shielding Mukhtar, who is lodged at Ropar jail.
Rai’s brother was shot dead outside his residence in 1991.
Ajay Rai is complainant and prime witness against Mukhtar and other accused persons of this case, although he had enjoyed support of Mukhtar’s Qaumi Ekta Dal in 2014 Lok Sabha elections.