Who Was Sanjeev 'Jeeva'? Compounder Who Became Dreaded Shooter Of Mukhtar Ansari Gang

Sanjeev Jeeva, a notorious gangster from western UP, shot into the limelight following the murder of BJP stalwart Brahm Dutt Dwivedi.

Sanjeev Maheshwari 'Jeeva' was shot dead at Lucknow Civil Court

Source : ANI

From starting his career as a compunder in Muzaffarnagar to becoming one of the most dreaded shooter in the gang of politician Mukhtar Ansari, Sanjeev Jeeva was a notorious gangster from western UP who was facing several cases related to murder, fraud and criminal conspiracy. Jeeva was shot dead on premises of a Lucknow court on Wednesday by an assailant who had donned lawyer's robes.

Jeeva, who was lodged in a Lucknow jail, received multiple injuries and then succumbed. The accused has been arrested.

Jeeva (48) was a resident of Muzaffarnagar district. He was an accused in the murder of BJP MLA Krishnand Rai and former state minister Brahm Dutta Dwivedi. He was facing 24 other cases as well.

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Jeeva initially worked as a compounder at a local clinic in Muzaffarnagar before entering the world of crime by kidnapping the very owner of the dispensary. Soon, his name cropped up in connection with the kidnapping of a businessman's son in Kolkata and a ransom of Rs 2 crore was demanded.

However, he shot into the limelight following the murder of BJP stalwart Brahm Dutt Dwivedi on February 10, 1997. Ansari was a co-accused in this case. Jeeva was sentenced to life imprisonment in this case.

His name again made the headlines after the murder of BJP MLA Krishnanad Rai and he was arrested in connection with the case. However, Jeeva continued his criminal activities from prison.

Jeeva's wife, Payal, had contested the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election on an RJD ticket, but had lost in the polls. In 2021, Payal had written a letter to the then Chief Justice of India saying that Jeeva's life was in danger. 

Jeeva also worked closely with mafia Munna Bajrangi, who was shot dead in 2018 in Baghpat jail. Later, he became a close aide of Mukhtar Ansari. 

Recently, Jeeva's property worth Rs 4 crore in Muzaffarnagar was attached by the district administration.