• Source:JND
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An argument occurred during the funeral of gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur district on Saturday. The dispute involved the district magistrate and Lok Sabha MP Afzal Ansari, who is also Mukhtar’s brother, over the disagreement centred around access to the burial ground.

Mukhtar Ansari, who passed away from cardiac arrest in Banda, drew thousands of mourners from Ghazipur and nearby areas to his funeral ceremony. The district administration faced the challenge of managing the large crowd gathered for the last rites. 

The district administration allegedly prevented certain individuals from entering the cemetery to offer ceremonial soil on the grave of Mukhtar Ansari as part of the burial ritual. 

A video circulating on social media captured MP Afzal Ansari asserting that anyone should be allowed to offer soil. The DM cited prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and emphasised that legal action would be taken if the instructions given by the authorities were not followed.

ALSO READ: Mukhtar Ansari Death: Autopsy Finds Yellow Spot In Gangster’s Heart; Brother Reiterates 'Poisoned' Charge

Ghazipur MP Afzal Ansari can be heard in the video saying, "You cannot stop anyone from offering soil." To this, Ghazipur DM Aryaka Akhoury replies, "People of the family can offer soil. Will the entire town offer soil?" Afzal Ansari retorted that "anyone from anywhere who wants to offer soil will do so".

When the DM cited the prohibitory orders imposed in the district and asked if any permission has been sought for it, Ansari replied, "You cannot stop anyone from participating in a burial despite Section 144 (of CRPC)." The DM said the funeral was being videographed and legal action will be taken, reported news agency PTI.

Despite slogans raised by some attendees, the situation remained peaceful. Security personnel were deployed strategically to manage the swelling crowd. The local administration also made elaborate security arrangements outside Ansari's residence and the burial ground to maintain peace and avoid any untoward incident during the funeral ceremony.

ALSO READ: Audio Of Mukhtar Ansari's 'Last Conversation' With Son Goes Viral; Here's What UP Gangster Tells About His Health

Who Is Ghazipur DM Aryaka Akhoury From Mukhtar Ansari's Funeral 

Aryaka Akhoury, an IAS officer from the 2013 batch, hailed from Bihar’s Patna. Born on December 14, 1985, she joined the Indian Administration Services on September 2, 2013. After training for her services in Mussoorie, she was first posted as the Joint Magistrate in Varanasi. 

Aryaka Akhoury also assumed the role of Chief Development Officer in Meerut district. Additionally, she previously served as the Special Secretary in the Secondary Education Department under the Government of Uttar Pradesh. On February 11, 2022, she received her initial posting as the Collector in the Bhadohi district.