Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf were shot dead in Prayagraj while surrounded by Uttar Pradesh Police and media personnel on Saturday. The terrible incident, which raises several issues, including one about the UP Police's security, was recorded on camera while Atiq and Ashraf were being escorted to the hospital for medical check up. Earlier in the day, Atiq's son Asad Ahmad's death rites were administered.
Atiq and Ashraf were each requested to make a statement. 'Statement on what?' they asked as they walked. Atiq was requested to speak on his son's funeral in his absence. "Nahi le gaye toh nahi gaye," stated Atiq Ahmad. When the first gunshot aiming at Atiq's head was heard, Ashraf said, "Main baat ye hai ki Guddu Muslim..."
As shots were fired, unruly situations erupted. The assailants' faces could be seen on the video as they fired rounds from close range. Sunny, Lovelesh, and Arun, the three assailants, were apprehended by police.
Asad, Atiq's son, was killed in an encounter on April 13 and his body was buried on Saturday amid strict security.
Atiq and members of his family had earlier repeatedly asked the courts for protection, claiming they had been receiving threats, and that their lives were in danger. Atiq had also knocked on the Supreme Court's doors to request protection while being held in detention for the murder of Umesh Pal.
Earlier on Saturday, the Uttar Pradesh Police questioned Atiq and Ashraf at the Dhoomanganj police station.
Atiq Ahmed was accused in the BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case of 2015 as well as the Umesh Pal murder case, which occurred in February this year.
(With Inputs From Agencies)