Uttar Pradesh Police has continued its search for four women linked to former mafia figures Mukhtar Ansari, Atiq Ahmed and Ashraf. Despite years of investigation, police have not traced them. The four women, Afshan Ansari, Shaista Parveen, Zainab Fatima and Ayesha Noori, remain wanted in different criminal cases. Meanwhile, police have registered a fresh case against Mukhtar Ansari’s wife, Afshan Ansari, over alleged irregularities in a firearms licence.
Fresh Arms Licence Case Against Afshan Ansari
Mukhtar Ansari died in Banda Jail in March 2024. Since then, Afshan Ansari has remained absconding. Police say they have conducted repeated raids and have also tried to persuade her to surrender.
The latest case relates to a weapon licence issued in Afshan’s name. According to investigators, she bought a revolver under that licence, later sold it and purchased another weapon. During the probe, officials found that important records related to the purchase and sale had disappeared from the Ghazipur District Magistrate’s office.
Police suspect someone removed the documents deliberately to hide the weapon’s movement and allow members of the Ansari gang to use it without attracting the attention of investigating agencies. Officers have not recovered the revolver so far.
Police have named Afshan Ansari, former record assistant Narayan Ram and Bhishma Singh Yadav as accused in the case. Narayan Ram has died. Police have also invoked relevant provisions of the Arms Act.
Afshan Wanted in Several Other Cases
According to Ghazipur Police, Afshan Ansari already faces five other criminal cases, including one under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act. Authorities have attached her properties under the Gangster Act.
After receiving intelligence that she might try to leave the country, police requested central agencies, the CBI and immigration authorities to issue a lookout notice against her.
Shaista, Zainab and Ayesha Still Missing
Apart from Afshan, police continue to search for Atiq Ahmed’s wife Shaista Parveen, Ashraf’s wife Zainab Fatima and the brothers’ elder sister Ayesha Noori.
Investigators accuse all three of conspiring in the February 2023 murder of lawyer Umesh Pal in Prayagraj. Gunmen shot dead Umesh Pal and his two government security personnel, Sandeep Nishad and Raghvendra Singh, in broad daylight. The attackers also used country-made bombs during the assault.
Police say the three women failed to appear in court even after authorities declared them proclaimed offenders. As a result, police registered separate cases against them.
Other Accused Also on the Run
Ayesha Noori’s husband, Dr Akhlaq Ahmad, also faces charges in the Umesh Pal murder case. Police accuse him of sheltering Guddu Muslim, one of the main accused. Guddu Muslim still remains absconding, and police have announced a reward of ₹5 lakh for information leading to his arrest. Another accused, Sabir, also carries a reward of ₹5 lakh.
Atiq Ahmed’s sons, Ali Ahmad and Mohammad Umar, also face criminal cases in separate matters.
Rewards Announced on Four Women
Uttar Pradesh Police has announced cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of the four women:
- Afshan Ansari: ₹50,000
- Shaista Parveen: ₹50,000
- Zainab Fatima: ₹25,000
- Ayesha Noori: ₹25,000
However, none of them features in the UP Police’s current list of the top 30 most wanted criminals. That list includes only one woman, Deepti Bahl, who is wanted in the alleged bike taxi scam.
Police say they continue to raid suspected hideouts and seek help from central agencies whenever required. Officials remain hopeful that they will arrest all four absconding accused soon.
