Centre mulls SOPs for safety, security of journalists after Atiq, Ashraf murder

Following the assassination of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj last night, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided to prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the safety and security of journalists, ANI cited its sources in a report.

According to the source, the decision was made after three assailants posing as journalists killed Atiq and Ashraf in Prayagraj, and it was made with the guidance of Home Minister Amit Shah and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On Saturday night, Atiq and Ashraf were shot dead in Prayagraj in full media spotlight.

Uttar Pradesh Police on Sunday said the assailants of the jailed gangster and his brother posed as journalists at the scene of the crime.

“The 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. Another was roaming around with a mike on which were inscribed the words NCR News. The third was assisting both,” ANI quoted its police source as saying.

“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,” the report further said.