On Saturday, the world watched in shock as jailed Uttar Pradesh gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were shot dead outside a hospital in Prayagraj. The police have since revealed that the three assailants, Luvlesh Tiwari, Arun Kumar Maurya, and Shani, were driven by a desire to become famous. The trio had been tracking Atiq since he was transferred from a Gujarat jail and were waiting for the right opportunity to strike.
During their initial interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed to planning the attack and posing as journalists to get close to their targets. They used Turkish Zigana F semi-automatic pistols, each loaded with 15 rounds of 9mm bullets, to shoot Atiq eight times and Ashraf six times. The autopsy report revealed the gruesome details of the attack.
While the possibility of the trio being hired for a hit job can't be ruled out, the police are exploring other motives, including establishing themselves in the world of crime or settling scores. Luvlesh has three previous cases against his name, including one for harassing women, while Mohit has 14 cases lodged against him in Hamirpur district and is known to be a member of the notorious Sundar Bhati gang. Arun, who has a previous murder case pending against him, is linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
The case highlights the need for better security measures for high-profile inmates, especially those with a history of violence and crime. The police are also investigating the conspiracy theories that have emerged since the shooting, including the possibility of political involvement. The investigation is ongoing, and more information is expected to emerge in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the shocking incident has raised concerns about the state of law and order in Uttar Pradesh, which has seen a spate of violent crimes in recent years. The government must take decisive action to curb the rise of organized crime and ensure that citizens are safe from harm.
