Shoaib, also known as Bobby, a former shooter linked to the notorious Mukhtar Ansari gang, was shot dead in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki district on Friday. The attack occurred while he was traveling from Barabanki to Lucknow through the Asaini area, with eyewitnesses reporting at least 15 bullets fired at his vehicle over a span of ten minutes. The sustained gunfire caused panic among local residents, who reported hearing repeated shots as the vehicle came under attack. Police sources suggest that multiple attackers were involved in the assault, indicating a coordinated hit.
Shoaib had a long criminal record, including accusations of being involved in the 1999 murder of Lucknow jailer RK Tiwari. Over the years, he was recognized as a key enforcer for the Ansari gang, which had significant influence in Uttar Pradesh’s organized crime landscape.
Mukhtar Ansari, the gang’s leader, passed away in 2024 at the age of 63 due to cardiac arrest while hospitalized. Over his lifetime, he was booked in 65 criminal cases ranging from murder to extortion but managed to win five terms as a Member of the Legislative Assembly under different political parties. Ansari had spent years in various jails across Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, yet his criminal network continued to exert influence even after his incarceration and death.
Authorities are investigating the motive behind the killing and whether it is linked to gang rivalries, revenge, or other criminal disputes. Police have appealed to witnesses to come forward and provide information that could help identify the attackers.
The incident highlights the persistent threat of gang violence in parts of Uttar Pradesh, where criminal networks with political connections continue to operate despite law enforcement efforts. Local residents have expressed concern over public safety following the violent shooting, emphasizing the need for stricter monitoring of organized crime activity in the region.
Shoaib Bobby’s death marks a significant development in the long-standing saga of Mukhtar Ansari’s criminal empire, raising questions about who may next target remaining members of the network.
