Atiq Ahmed: The gangster-MP who died on TV  | ASSASSINS

Key Concepts

• Atiq Ahmed: Notorious gangster and former politician from Uttar Pradesh, India.
• Umesh Pal: Eyewitness who testified against Atiq Ahmed in the Rajupal murder case, later kidnapped and beaten.
• Rajupal: Gangster and politician who won a state legislature seat against Atiq Ahmed's brother, subsequently murdered.
• Encounters: Extrajudicial killings in Uttar Pradesh where police claim criminals resisted arrest or attacked officers.
• Public Execution: The assassination of Atiq Ahmed and his brother, broadcast live on television.
• Rule of Law: The principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated.

The Assassination of Atiq Ahmed and His Brother

The video details the shocking assassination of Atiq Ahmed, a former gangster turned politician, and his brother, which occurred on April 15, 2023, during a police escort to a hospital for a medical checkup. The event was broadcast live on television, capturing the attention of millions.

Atiq Ahmed's Rise to Power

• Early Life and Criminal Beginnings: Born in 1962 in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, Atiq Ahmed came from a poor family. He quickly learned that fear and intimidation, rather than academic achievement, garnered respect in his environment. By his teenage years, he was involved in criminal activities, including stealing coal. At the age of 17, he was accused of his first murder.
• Criminal Record: Over four decades, Atiq Ahmed faced hundreds of cases, including extortion, kidnapping, and murder. He was also believed to be involved in many other crimes where victims were too afraid to report him.
• Entry into Politics: Recognizing the link between crime and politics in Uttar Pradesh, Atiq Ahmed transitioned into politics to gain influence and protection. He joined various political parties, often switching allegiances.
• Political Career: In 1989, at 27, he won his first election, becoming a state lawmaker. Despite his criminal past, many constituents, particularly local Muslims, viewed him as a "Robin Hood" figure who provided assistance. He held his state legislative seat for five consecutive terms and later became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Phulpur constituency, a seat previously held by India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.

The Unraveling of Atiq Ahmed's Empire

• The Rajupal Murder Case: In 2005, Atiq Ahmed vacated his state legislative seat to become an MP. He nominated his brother, Khalid Azim, to succeed him. However, Rajupal, a gangster who had previously associated with Atiq's crew, also sought the seat. Rajupal won the by-election.
• Retaliation and Witness Intimidation: In January 2005, Rajupal was shot and killed by assailants. He was shot 19 times. An eyewitness, Umesh Pal, came forward and testified against Atiq Ahmed. Following his testimony, Umesh Pal was kidnapped, beaten, and threatened, though he was allowed to live.
• Imprisonment and Continued Influence: In 2009, Atiq Ahmed was convicted for the kidnapping of Umesh Pal and imprisoned. However, he continued to run his criminal empire from behind bars, making calls and issuing orders. He even filed his nomination for a state election from jail in 2012, requiring bail, which was granted by an 11th judge after ten others recused themselves due to fear. He lost that election to Rajupal's widow.

The Shift in Political Landscape and Umesh Pal's Murder

• Crackdown on Crime: By the late 2010s, India's political landscape shifted, with new leaders promising to combat crime. Old-school criminals like Atiq Ahmed became targets.
• Umesh Pal's Murder (February 2023): Umesh Pal, the witness who had testified against Atiq Ahmed, was murdered in February 2023. The assassination was captured on CCTV. Atiq Ahmed, his wife, brother, and son were charged with his murder, with authorities believing the hit was orchestrated from prison.
• Government Response: The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh vowed to "grind the mafia into the dirt," signaling a determined effort to tackle organized crime.

"Encounters" and Atiq Ahmed's Fears

• Extrajudicial Killings: Uttar Pradesh has become known for "encounters," where police claim to kill criminals during shootouts. Over a two-year period, 103 criminals and five police officers died in such incidents.
• Transfer to Uttar Pradesh and Fear of Encounters: Atiq Ahmed was transferred back to Uttar Pradesh, a move he feared would lead to his death in a police encounter. He pleaded with the court to stop the transfer, citing danger from local police. His plea was rejected.
• Son's Death in Encounter: In mid-April 2023, Atiq Ahmed's 19-year-old son, Assad, was killed in a police encounter in Uttar Pradesh. Atiq Ahmed, upon hearing the news in court, broke down and wept. His request to attend his son's funeral was denied.

The Prime Time Assassination

• The Event: Two days after his son's death, on the evening of April 15, 2023, Atiq Ahmed and his brother were being transferred to a hospital for a medical checkup. As they were being escorted, three men, disguised as reporters, approached and opened fire at point-blank range.
• The Broadcast: The assassination was captured live on television, with millions witnessing the cold-blooded killing. In approximately 16 seconds, dozens of bullets were fired.
• The Shooters' Actions: The assassins did not flee. Instead, they stood over the bodies, raised their weapons, and one shouted "Jai Shri Ram," a religious slogan. They were apprehended on the spot without resistance.
• Aftermath: The incident caused widespread shock. Bazaars were quiet, and internet services were disrupted. Questions arose about how a prisoner could be assassinated during a police escort and how the event was broadcast live.

Investigations and Lingering Questions

• Judicial Panel Findings: A five-member judicial panel in Uttar Pradesh ruled that there was no police involvement in the killings.
• Legal Proceedings: Charges have been filed against the three shooters, who remain in jail. However, no trial date has been set. One of the accused has a lawyer who claims his client is innocent and that the event was a "state-managed encounter."
• Broader Implications: The assassination of Atiq Ahmed and his brother, along with the deaths of other individuals implicated in Umesh Pal's murder (including Atiq's son), has raised concerns about the "rule of law" in Uttar Pradesh. A prominent lawyer described the night as witnessing "two murders: one of Atiq Ahmed and his brother, and one of the rule of law." The investigation into the assassination is ongoing.