Prayagraj (Allahabad); 16 April 2023 (UMMN): A former MP and MLA Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf, surrounded by a large police force, were shot dead at point blank on Saturday night, while being taken for medical tests in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj. The killing was caught on live television as Atiq and Ashraf were talking to reporters.
The development comes just hours after the last rites of Asad Ahmed, son of Atiq Ahmed, were performed at Kasari Masari graveyard in Prayagraj. Asad was also killed in an encounter in UP's Jhansi just two days ago.
All three shooters of Atiq Ahmed and Ashraf, were apprehended, police said. They have been identified as: Lovlesh Tiwari, Sunny and Arun Maurya.
"Atiq Ahmed, his brother Ashraf Ahmed were brought for medical & while giving media byte, three people came as media persons and shot at them where both of them died. Three people have been arrested, they are being questioned. A journalist was also injured as he fell down and a constable sustained a bullet injury: said Ramit Sharma, Police commissioner, Prayagraj.
As many as 17 police officials have been suspended and Section 144 has been imposed in Prayagraj.
According to NDTV, The security outside the residence of Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has been beefed and Section 144 has been imposed in all districts of Uttar Pradesh. Police officers from all districts have been asked to remain alert and instructed to patrol sensitive areas.
Police flag march in Lucknow's Husainabad, Prayagraj, Ayodhya and other districts is underway
CM Yogi has appealed to the public not to pay attention to any rumour and instructed the officers to be vigilant.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath has ordered a probe into the murders of Atiq Ahmed and Ashraf and ordered the constitution of an inquiry committee. He also gave instructions for the formation of a three-member judicial commission.
Ahmad’s lawyer Vijay Mishra said the incident was shocking. “The incident is clear failure of the police in ensuring their security,” he said.
Commenting on the killings of Atiq Ahmed and Ashraf, CPM leader Sitaram Yechury said, "Jungle Raj under BJP Yogi govt in UP. It’s USP: Encounter killings, Bulldozer politics & patronising criminals…“
Reacting to the murders, SP leader Akhilesh Yadav said that crime has reached its peak in UP and the morale of criminals is high.
"When someone can be killed by firing openly amidst the security cordon of the police, then what about the safety of the general public? Due to this, an atmosphere of fear is being created among the public; it seems that some people are deliberately creating such an atmosphere," Mr Yadav tweeted in Hindi.
"Atiq and his brother were in police custody. He was handcuffed. JSR slogans were also raised. The killing of both is the failure of Yogi's law and order system. Those celebrating encounter raj are also responsible for this murder," Asaduddin Owaisi said. "In a society where murderers are celebrated, what’s the use of a criminal justice system?"
