Gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari, who is presently serving jail term, was convicted by a court in Varanasi on Monday in connection with the murder of Congress leader Awadhesh Rai in 1991.
He was sentenced to life by the court.
Awadhesh Rai, brother of Congress leader Ajay Rai was shot dead in August 1991 at the gate of his Lahurabir residence. Relating to the incident, a case was registered against Mukhtar Ansari and others.
"Mukhtar has been convicted in the Awadhesh Rai murder case of 1991. The court will pronounce its judgment later in the day," a lawyer told reporters in Varanasi.
"This is the end of our many years of waiting. I, my parents, Awadhesh's daughter and the whole family kept patience... Governments came and went and Mukhtar strengthened himself,” Ajay Rai was quoted by PTI.
“But we did not give up. Because of our lawyers' efforts, today the court has found Mukhtar guilty in the murder case of my brother,” Rai added.
Apart from this case, the five-term MLA Ansari has also been convicted in several criminal cases. He is currently serving jail term in another case of kidnapping and murder for which he was convicted in April.
During the hearing of the Awadhesh Rai's murder case in June last year, it was noted that the original case diary went missing. Despite best attempts, the diary could not be found. The whole case was heard based on the photocopies prepared by the officials.
