Gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad's son Asad, and another accused Ghulam, son of Maksudan, wanted by the police for their alleged involvement in the murder of Umesh Pal murder in Prayagraj were killed in an encounter by Uttar Pradesh Police's Special Task Force (STF) in Jhansi on Thursday.
The police in a press release claimed that Asad and Ghulam, the main shooters in the Umesh Pal murder case were carrying sophisticated weapons during the time of the encounter.
According to the police, a British Bulldog revolver and Walther P-88 pistol of 7.63 bore were recovered from both Asad and Ghulam after the encounter.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has hailed the effort of UP STF.
"After the encounter of former MP Atiq Ahmed's son Asad and his aide, CM Yogi Adityanath took a meeting on law and order. CM Yogi praised UP STF as well as DGP, Special DG law and order and the entire team," the UP Chief Minister's Office stated, as per news agency ANI.
The UP STF team was led by Deputy SP Navendu and Vimal carried out the encounter of the two wanted in the Umesh Pal murder case.
"Asad and Ghulam were wanted in the Umesh Pal murder case of Prayagraj and were carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh each. They were killed in an encounter with the UP STF team".
"The UP STF team was led by Deputy SP Navendu and Vimal. Sophisticated foreign made weapons were recovered from the accused. Further details are awaited," the officer added.
Umesh Pal, a key witness in the 2005 murder case of then BSP MLA Raju Pal, and his two police security guards were shot dead outside his home in Prayagraj's Dhoomanganj area on February 24 this year. Based on a complaint lodged by Umesh Pal's wife Jaya Pal, a case was registered on February 25 against Atiq Ahmed, his brother Ashraf, Asad, Ghulam, and others.