Atiq Ahmed & brother Ashraf shot dead ahead of media by men disguised as journalists; Section 144 issued in UP

Lucknow, Apr 16: In yet another shocking development in the arrest of Gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, him and his brother Ashraf were shot dead at point-blank range by three men. The men who shot the two reportedly disguised as journalists.

 

 

 

 

The shocking incident took place in the middle of a media interaction on Saturday (Apr 15) night while police personnel were escorting Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf to a medical college for a checkup. Both of them were recently jailed in Prayagraj, besides, they were in handcuffed when they were killed in full view of camera crews reportedly around 10 pm.

 

 

The horrifying visuals were circulated widely on social media platforms and television channels as the two were shot dead ahead of the media. Notably, the last rites of Ahmed's son Asad, who was shot down in a police encounter in Jhansi on Apr 13, were concluded merely hours before the shooting. Commissioner of Police, Prayagraj, Ramit Sharma shared with the media that the three assailants, who were arrested immediately after the incident, had joined the group of media persons who were trying to get audio bites from Ahmed and Ashraf.

 

 

 

 

The Commissioner said, "In accordance with a mandatory legal requirement, Atiq Ahmed and Ashraf were brought to the hospital for a medical examination. According to preliminary information, three men posing as journalists approached them and opened fire. Ahmed and Ashraf were killed in the attack. The attackers have been held and are being questioned." Besides, in the horrifying act a police constable, Man Singh, was injured as well, since a bullet hit his arm. Sharma further added that a journalist was also hurt after he fell during the commotion that followed the shooting.

 

 

In the video footage that went viral in a few minutes after the two were shot, a man was seen thrusting a gun at Atiq Ahmed's head while he talked to reporters, followed with him collapsing. The footage also showed the three assailants firing at the brothers even after they had fallen. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reportedly constituted a three-member judicial commission to probe the killing of Atiq Ahmed and his brother. Besides, prohibitory orders under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) have been issued in all districts of Uttar Pradesh.

 

 

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