Gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf were fatally shot by unidentified assailants in Prayagraj on Saturday night. The incident took place while the two were being escorted by police to a medical college. Three people have been arrested in connection with the shooting, which was captured on camera as media persons were following the duo. At least two people, who posed as media persons, fired shots at Ahmad and his brother from close range. Police soon overpowered the assailants.
The bullet-riddled bodies of Ahmad and Ashraf were taken away from the spot, as tension gripped the area after the sensational killings. A police officer said that they are investigating the incident and are yet to question the arrested men. Ahmad, a former Samajwadi Party MP, and his brother were in Prayagraj for a court hearing related to the Umesh Pal murder case.
This incident comes just two days after Ahmad’s son, Asad, and one of his accomplices were killed in a police encounter in Jhansi on April 13. The last rites of Ahmad’s son and his accomplice were performed earlier on the same day. The consecutive events have sparked concerns over the escalating violence in the state.
