UP orders judicial probe in murder of gangster Atiq Ahmad, brother Ashraf

New Delhi (India), April 17, 2023: Gangster-politician Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf were brutally murdered on Saturday night, despite an escort of armed Uttar Pradesh Police personnel.

The state’s police force has set up a three-member special investigation team, including officers from the Investigation Cell of Prayagraj Police’s Crime Branch, to investigate the case in a quality and time-bound manner. Additionally, a supervision team has been appointed by the Director-General of UP Police to oversee the progress of the investigation.

Atiq Ahmad’s murder comes just days after his son and an aide were shot dead by the UP Police’s Special Task Force. Both Atiq and his son were accused in the February killing of lawyer Umesh Pal, who was a witness to the 2005 murder of Bahujan Samaj Party lawmaker Raju Pal.

The UP government has also set up a three-member team, headed by a retired judge of the Allahabad High Court, to conduct a judicial investigation into the case.

The heinous murder of Atiq Ahmad and his brother has sent shockwaves throughout the country. The investigation team and supervision team have been tasked with compiling scientific and forensic evidence to ensure a fair and quality investigation.

With Atiq Ahmad’s chequered life story, his murder has once again brought the issue of the nexus between crime and politics to the forefront.