New Delhi: More than a week has passed since the killing of gangster Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf in Prayagraj, and it has now come to light that a party had taken place at Atiq's house on February 23, just one day before Umesha Pal was murdered.
During an interrogation, Atiq's house helper, Rakesh, told police that a party had taken place on February 23 with all the shooters, including Asad, in the presence of Shaista Parveen, Atiq's absconding wife.
Notably, the Uttar Pradesh Police have not yet been able to apprehend Shaista Parveen, an accused in the Umesha Pal murder case.
The information obtained from Asad's mobile phone revealed that the Umesha Pal murder case was referred to as "Operation Janu."
Rakesh told the police that Atiq's minor son and he himself went to the market to buy party supplies. Asad had instructed them to execute "Operation Janu" till the end. Therefore, a party was organized at home with all the guests that night. After Umesha's murder, all the shooters gathered at his Chakiya house.
The search for Shaista is still ongoing following the murder of Umesha Pal. The police have been keeping a close watch on all her aides and relatives.
A reward of 50,000 rupees has been offered for information leading to Shaista's arrest, and investigative agencies are conducting searches in multiple locations. The police have identified 7 lawyers and 20 other accomplices who assisted Shaista in her escape.
According to the police, Shaista's accomplices have been helping her financially. Meanwhile, teams from the STF and UP Police have been conducting continuous raids to nab her.
There are a total of four cases registered against Shaista, out of which three cases related to fraud were registered in 2009.
On February 25, the Dhoomanganj police station registered the fourth case against her linked to the killing of Umesh Pal. Shaista's father, Haroon, was a head constable in the Uttar Pradesh Police, and one of her brothers, Jaki Ahmad, is currently in Lucknow jail, while the other works as a teacher at a madrasa.
According to police, the suspected aides of Shaista include Sudhanshu Tripathi alias Balli Pandit, Mohammad Nafees, Irshad alias Sonu, Arshad, Sultan Ali, Jafar Ahmad Khan from Banda, Dr. Shaila, Asad, Noor, Mohammad Muslim, Mohammad Rashid alias Neelu, Avez Ahmad, Saddam, and Kasim.
Ayesha Noori, the accused's sister-in-law, along with Mohammad Anas and Asif, also known as Malli, are among those who have been providing protection to the accused. Additionally, financial assistance has been provided by Mohammad Muslim, Aslam Minister, and Khalid Jafar.