Atiq Ahmed, Ashraf Shot Dead: Police March Across UP, Extra Vigil In Sensitive Areas — What We Know So Far

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a high-level probe into the sensational killings of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Khalid Azeem alias Ashraf in Prayagraj.

Forensic team at the spot where Gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed were shot dead while they were being taken for a medical checkup, in Prayagraj, Saturday, April 15, 2023.

Source : PTI

Gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were shot dead at point-blank range by three men posing as journalists in the middle of a media interaction on Saturday night while police personnel were escorting them to a medical college in Prayagraj for a checkup. The brothers, both jailed in Prayagraj, were in handcuffs when they were killed in full view of camera crews around 10 pm.

This brazen killing of Atiq Ahmed and his brother has forced the Uttar Pradesh government to take drastic steps with prohibitory orders under section 144 has been imposed in all the districts.

 Atiq Ahmed, Ashraf Shot Dead — Here's What We Know So Far

• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has formed a three-member judicial commission to probe the killing of Ahmad and his brother.
• Commissioner of Police, Prayagraj, Ramit Sharma said the three assailants, who were arrested immediately after the incident, had joined the group of media persons who were trying to get sound bites from Atiq Ahmed and Ashraf.
• Police constable Man Singh was also injured in the incident as a bullet hit his arm.
• Special DG, Law and Order, Prashant Kumar said the three assailants were arrested from the spot and a detailed probe is on in the matter.
• Atiq Ahmed's son Asad was killed in a police encounter in Jhansi on April 13. His last rites were performed on Saturday. Incidentally, Atiq and Ashraf were being questioned by the Uttar Pradesh Police at the Dhoomanganj police station, around 3 km from the burial venue.
• Police have put several leaders of opposition parties under house arrest who had questioned Asad's encounter.
• Security has been beefed up in all the sensitive areas. CM Yogi has asked higher officials to themselves be on the ground and take stock of the situation to maintain law and order situation in the state.
• Tensions flared in the Chakia area of Prayagraj, the stronghold of former MP Atiq Ahmed, as locals pelted stones at Uttar Pradesh Police. The incident prompted authorities to convert the area into a high-security fortified zone. 
• Five persons have been booked by the Uttar Pradesh police, including two unknown, in connection with the murder of Ahmed and his brother, as per ABP News sources. 
• The Uttar Pradesh government has submitted a report to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regarding the shooting incident where gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf. The report was sent following a meeting between Sanjay Prasad, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, and the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, sources told ABP News.