3 killers posed as journalists, UP police reveals in Atiq Ahmed killing probe

According to Uttar Pradesh Police, the shooters who assassinated mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf on Saturday night were acting as journalists at the scene.

Atiq’s ISI handler had conspired to kill Atiq and Ashraf to prevent him from revealing ISI connections, sources told NewsX. The probe revealed that the shooter followed Atiq for 3 days and came close to him several times, sources added.

According to sources, the shooters were given ₹3 crores to carry out the killing of the two gangsters and an investigation is now going on to find the motive behind the crime.

One of the shooters in the killing has been identified as Shani and is from Hamripur, Uttar Pradesh. He has had a criminal history.

“Shooters were posing as journalists. As Atiq reached for a check-up, they were surrounded by other journalists and got close to Atiq and his brother. One was having a camera and was posing as a cameraman. While one was roaming with a mike where it was written NCR News. Third was assisting both,” an ANI reported citing its sources.

“As Atiq reached the hospital, reporters started questioning them after 2 lines, one guy fired on his head from very close and Atiq fell down. Another two guys also threw the camera and mike and started firing,” ANI report further quoted its sources saying.

Following the event, the Uttar Pradesh government imposed Section 144 of the CrPC in all districts on Sunday. Yogi Government has taken strict action against 17 police officials who were escorting Atiq and Ashraf.

After his son Asad was slain in an encounter in Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi, Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed were assassinated on Saturday while being escorted for medical treatment in Prayagraj.
Atiq Ahmed was charged in the 2005 murder of BSP MLA Raju Pal, as well as the murder of Umesh Pal in February of this year.

UP Police have stated that three arrests have been made in this regard.
Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, also urged the public not to believe the falsehoods.

“He also directed the police officials to remain vigilant and maintain law and order in the state,” UP Chief minister’s office statement said.

On Sunday, the Uttar Pradesh government enacted Section 144 in all of the state’s districts.
Shortly after mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were killed in Prayagraj, former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party head Akhilesh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati hit out at Yogi government alleging depletion of law and order in the state.