Status: Not ApprovedHEAD: 24_Luc_PC_Ajay Sipahi Strongman with over 30 cases Byline: Pathikrit ChakrabortyAjay sipahi rises and falls from crime to politicsAjay Sipahi: Strongman with over 30 cases FROM BULLET TO BALLOT: THE RISE AND FALL OF STRONGMAN AJAY SIPAHI Lucknow: Once known for his alleged links to organised crime and later for his growing political clout, Ajay Pratap Singh, alias Ajay Sipahi, carved a controversial journey from the world of crime to grassroots politics in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Ajay Sipahi, who was earlier associated with the police force, reportedly came into contact with influential figures during his service, including networks linked to strongmen. He first came into the limelight following his alleged involvement in the sensational Sultanpur civil court double murder case, which marked his entry into the criminal underworld. After gaining notoriety, Ajay shifted his focus towards politics. In 2015, he formally entered public life through panchayat elections. Backed by the Samajwadi Party, he became Block Pramukh from Katehri and also helped his relatives secure positions in the district panchayat, consolidating his influence in the region. Despite his criminal background, Ajay managed to build a strong caste-based and cross-community support base. In the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, he contested from Katehri on a ticket from the Nishad Party and secured around 18,000 votes, signalling his growing political presence despite defeat. After remaining politically unaffiliated for several years, Ajay’s proximity to the Bharatiya Janata Party increased during the 2021 panchayat polls. Despite internal resistance within the party, he played a key role in ensuring the victory of his supported candidates and further tightened his grip over local politics. Ajay’s rise was also shaped by his associations with powerful political figures such as Abhay Singh and later Dhananjay Singh. His alleged proximity to mafia figures like Mukhtar Ansari and Munna Bajrangi further bolstered his influence. However, shifting loyalties and rivalries within political and criminal circles reportedly led to tensions, eventually contributing to increased scrutiny by law enforcement agencies, including the STF. MSID:: 128752867 413 |
