Gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were shot dead on Saturday night

Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were notorious figures in India's criminal underworld, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, where they were well-known members of the IS 227 gang. Atiq Ahmed, often seen as the leader of this gang, had a long history of criminal activities that spanned decades. His brother Ashraf was an active member, assisting Atiq in various illegal ventures and activities. Both brothers were involved in numerous cases, ranging from land grabs and extortion to more violent crimes such as murders and kidnappings.

Atiq Ahmed’s name, however, became more controversial when he allegedly claimed links to international terrorism. According to statements made by Atiq, he had connections with Pakistan-based terrorist organizations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). This admission added a new dimension to his criminal profile, as he claimed to have received arms and weapons directly from Pakistan through sophisticated methods like drone drops in Punjab. These arms, he said, were delivered to him in India for carrying out violent activities and bolstering his criminal empire.

During interrogations, Atiq and Ashraf disclosed that they knew the identity of the person who delivered the arms from Pakistan, but they were unable to track him while they were incarcerated. They insisted that they could identify this person if taken to the location where the arms had been dropped. The weapons that were involved in the high-profile murder of Umesh Pal were allegedly part of this arms consignment. This revelation sparked widespread concern among law enforcement agencies about the growing nexus between organized crime and cross-border terrorism.

The Murder of Umesh Pal and Arms from Pakistan

The murder of Umesh Pal, a key witness in a previous case involving Atiq Ahmed, sent shockwaves through Uttar Pradesh. Umesh Pal was gunned down in broad daylight, and investigations soon revealed that the weapons used in the crime were part of the consignment that Atiq had allegedly received from Pakistan. This further solidified Atiq’s ties to international terror networks and raised alarming questions about the ease with which these arms were smuggled into India.

On April 14, police made another attempt to extract more information from Atiq and Ashraf about their connections with terror outfits and the arms trade. However, both brothers were still in a state of shock following the death of Atiq’s son, Asad, who had been killed in an encounter with the police just days earlier. Despite intensive questioning, Atiq and Ashraf provided little useful information.

The very next day, on April 15, police made a significant breakthrough in the case. They recovered pistols and cartridges from the crime scene that were linked to Pakistan. These weapons were allegedly the same ones used in Umesh Pal’s murder, further corroborating Atiq and Ashraf’s claims about their arms supplier. An FIR was promptly registered against the brothers under the Arms Act, and the investigation was expanded to trace the arms smuggling route and identify other possible conspirators.

The Final Hours: A Deadly Ambush Disguised as Journalism

On the night of April 15, the police were transporting Atiq and Ashraf to a medical college for routine medical treatment. It was supposed to be a standard procedure, but what followed was anything but ordinary. As the convoy approached the medical college building, a group of journalists gathered around the entrance, eager to capture footage and statements from the brothers. The scene was chaotic, with cameras flashing and microphones being thrust forward in an attempt to capture every detail.

However, in a shocking turn of events, two individuals posing as journalists suddenly dropped their cameras and microphones, and instead, pulled out firearms. They swiftly opened fire on Atiq and Ashraf, catching both the brothers and the police officers completely off guard. A third gunman, also disguised as a journalist, joined in the shooting. The attack was so rapid and unexpected that before anyone could fully comprehend what was happening, Atiq and Ashraf were riddled with bullets.

The ambush unfolded in a matter of seconds, and the scene quickly descended into chaos. A police officer named Mann Singh was injured during the exchange of gunfire, and one of the attackers was also wounded in the ensuing crossfire. Despite the efforts of the police to neutralize the situation, the damage had already been done.

A Grim Conclusion: The Death of Atiq and Ashraf

Immediately after the attack, Atiq and Ashraf were rushed to the hospital in a desperate attempt to save their lives. However, by the time they arrived, it was too late. The doctors declared both brothers dead on arrival. The news of their death quickly spread, igniting shockwaves not only among law enforcement but also among the public. The brutal nature of their demise raised several pressing questions, particularly about the security lapses that allowed such an attack to take place.

The incident provoked widespread outrage, with many questioning how the attackers had managed to infiltrate the group of journalists and carry out the assassination so effectively. The fact that the killers were disguised as media personnel also brought up concerns about the safety of genuine journalists, who often find themselves in dangerous situations while covering high-profile stories.

Aftermath and Investigation

In the days following the assassination of Atiq and Ashraf, investigations were launched to identify the attackers and unravel the conspiracy behind the murder. The police worked tirelessly to trace the attackers’ origins, motives, and any possible connections they may have had with rival criminal gangs or external entities. Speculation ran rife, with some suggesting that the attack could have been a meticulously planned operation by enemies of Atiq, while others theorized that it was part of a larger conspiracy to eliminate key figures involved in cross-border arms smuggling and terrorism.

The killings also cast a spotlight on the vulnerability of high-profile prisoners and the need for stringent security measures. Questions were raised about how the attackers gained such close proximity to Atiq and Ashraf without being detected. The incident highlighted gaps in the protection of incarcerated individuals and called for reforms in how dangerous criminals are transported and guarded.

A Legacy of Violence and Controversy

Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf may have met a violent end, but their criminal legacy continues to loom large. Their deaths closed a chapter on two of Uttar Pradesh’s most notorious gangsters, yet their involvement in larger terror networks and cross-border arms smuggling left lingering concerns. The murder of Umesh Pal and the brothers’ subsequent demise have underscored the complex and dangerous intersection of organized crime and terrorism.

As the investigations into their lives, crimes, and deaths continue, the case of Atiq Ahmed and Ashraf serves as a grim reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces in tackling both local and international threats. Their story is not just one of criminal activities but also a reflection of how deep-rooted corruption, political connections, and terror links can shape the trajectory of organized crime in India. Their violent deaths, in many ways, mirror the violence and chaos that defined their lives.