Atiq Ahmed, his brother laid to rest at Kasari Masari graveyard in Prayagraj | UPDATES

Bodies of mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf have been brought to the grave at Kasari Masari burial ground.

Atiq Ahmed's two sons who have been lodged in Bal Sudhar Grah (Juvenile home), have been brought to Kasari Masari graveyard to perform his last rites.

Bodies of slain gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed, brother Ashraf reach Kasari Masari graveyard in Prayagraj in ambulance after post-mortem. 

All three shooters, Arun Maurya, Sunny Singh and Lovelesh Tiwari who killed Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf, have been sent to 14-day judicial custody.

All three shooters, Arun Maurya, Sunny Singh and Lovelesh Tiwari who killed Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf, produced in the court in Prayagraj.

An external force has been deployed outside the district court in Prayagraj as the killers of Atiq-Ashraf may be produced in the court shortly.

A 3-member judicial enquiry committee has been formed pertaining to the murder of Atiq Ahmed, his brother which will give its report to the UP government in two months.

The committee will be headed by Retired Justice Arvind Kumar Tripathi of Allahabad HC, including retired IPC officer Subesh Kumar Singh and Retired District Judge Brijesh Kumar Soni.

According to reports, only 20-25 people will be allowed to attend the last rites of Atiq and his brother Ashraf. The duo will be laid o rest in Kasari-Masari cemetery in Prayagraj. 

Atiq and Ashraf's dead bodies will be directly taken to the cemetery after post-mortem for final rites. Only 20 to 25 people will be allowed to attend the funeral.

Atiq-Ashraf's killers had a connection with the Sunder Bhati gang. One of the assailants, Sunny had met Sundar Bhati in Hamirpur jail.

Sunny Singh was jailed four times... he was jailed in different cases... Sunny was lodged in Hamirpur Jail for over 500 days during which he met Sundar Bhati, however, there was a dispute between both of them following which Sunny Singh was sent to Kanpur Jail while Sundar was sent to Sonbhadra, reports have said.

Sunny was seen in Hamirpur around four days ago where he told his friends that he was going to do something big... he had also gone to meet someone in Chandpurwa village in the Sumerpur police station area.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that she is shocked by total collapse of law & order in Uttar Pradesh.

Police on Sunday said that after getting the information that Atiq and Ashraf have been taken into police custody, they (3 shooters who killed Atiq-Ashraf) posed as journalists and started living among the local journalists and were planning to kill both of them.

The three shooters told this to the police during the interrogation.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chairs a high-level meeting with top police officials at his residence in Lucknow.

So many cases were registered against Atiq Ahmed but he was not proven guilty... fake cases were filed by people against him everyday...  Atiq became MLA in 1989, 1991, 1993, and 1995... he was also elected as MP from Phulpur in 14th Lok Sabha... It's not like all goons, criminals win elections... he also won three elections as an independent candidate, SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav said.

"Media has made him a gangster. Sometimes some incidents happen, they happen to big people... here people are sitting on such big positions... who kill people using bombs but no one calls them gangster, hed added.

The Supreme Court should take cognisance of this matter and order an inquiry, says former Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath.

The government in UP is efficient to handle the situation but the killings in police security is a serious issue, says Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut.

A young boy (Asad) whose age is 19, how can he threaten the security of the country? If you want to catch him, hit him on his leg, prosecute him. Why do you want to kill him, says Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Atiq Ahmed's son encounter.

According to the investigation so far, a Turkey-made semi-automatic pistol Zigana was used by the killers. The weapon is manufactured by Turkish firearm company TISAS.

It is smuggled into India from Pakistan via drones and other illegal means.

In Sidhu Moosewala murder case also, the same weapon was used by the killers.

The pistol costs around Rs 4 lakh.

According to UP Police, the killers of gangster Atiq Ahmed and his brother faced several cases in various crimes including murder and robbery.

There were 17 cases registered against one of the accused, shooter Sunny Singh, a history sheeter.

Sunny Singh had no contact with his family for several years.

Reacting to the killing of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that violating rule of law and judicial process is not right for democracy.

"Whoever does this, or gives protection to those who do such things, should also be held responsible and the law should be strictly enforced on them. It should be the endeavor of all of us that the justice system and the rule of law should be raised in the country," she tweeted.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury on Sunday reacted sharply over the mafia turned politician Atiq Ahmed and Ashraf Ahmed who were shot dead in Prayagraj, and said that jungle raj is going on in Uttar Pradesh under the UP Chief Minister's Yogi Adityanath BJP led government.Sitaram Yechury took to Twitter and said, "Jungle Raj under BJP Yogi govt in UP. It's USP: Encounter killings, Bulldozer politics and patronising criminals. Enforce rule of law; apprehend perpetrators and punish them stringently".

Opposition leaders questioned the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh and demanded that the state government be dismissed after gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf were shot dead in Prayagraj. The "cold-blooded" killings are the "height of anarchy" in Uttar Pradesh, BSP MP Danish Ali claimed. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said crime has reached its peak in Uttar Pradesh and criminals are unfazed. Ahmad (60) and Ashraf were shot dead at point-blank range by three men posing as journalists in the middle of a media interaction on Saturday night while police personnel were escorting them to a medical college here for a checkup. The brothers, both jailed in Prayagraj, were in handcuffs when they were killed in full view of camera crews around 10 pm. The horrifying visuals were circulated widely on social media platforms and television channels. Reacting to the incident, SP president Akhilesh Yadav said in a tweet in Hindi: "Crime has reached its peak in Uttar Pradesh and the criminals are unfazed. When someone can be shot dead amidst a police cordon, then what about the safety of the general public? An atmosphere of fear is being created among the public due to this and it seems that some people are deliberately creating such an atmosphere." Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Jayant Chaudhary asked if 'jungle raj' prevails in the state. "Nobody is sympathising with Atiq Ahmad because a criminal should be punished. But anyone who will see this video will question if we are a democracy. Every criminal has the right to be heard in court and be convicted there. But you can see they were killed in police custody in the open," he said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday ordered a high-level probe into the sensational killings of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad and his brother Khalid Azeem alias Ashraf in Prayagraj, officials said. Prohibitory orders under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) have been issued in all districts of Uttar Pradesh to maintain law and order, they said. Ahmad (60) and his brother were shot dead at point-blank range by three men posing as journalists in the middle of a media interaction on Saturday night while police personnel were escorting them to a medical college in Prayagraj for a checkup. The brothers, both jailed in Prayagraj, were in handcuffs when they were killed in full view of camera crews around 10 pm. The horrifying visuals were circulated widely on social media platforms and television channels. "The chief minister has constituted a three-member judicial commission to probe the killing of Ahmad and Ashraf," Special DG, Law and Order, Prashant Kumar said. He said the three assailants were arrested from the spot and a detailed probe is on in the matter.

Uttar Pradesh Police on Sunday said that shooters who killed mafia turned politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf on Saturday night were posing as Journalists at the spot of the incident."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," police sources said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in a late-night meeting instructed the state police officers to be on high alert and ensure law and order are maintained across the state after mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and brother Ashraf were shot dead in Prayagraj.

"UP CM Yogi Adityanath has instructed Police officers to be on alert, ensure peace, law and order are maintained in the state and the public doesn't face any trouble," according to the Chief Minister office's statement.

Soon after the killing of gangster Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf, Soon after the incident, UP Jal Shakti Minister Swantantra Dev Singh tweeted,"Paap-punya ka hisab isi janm mein hota hai ...(Sin and virtue are accounted for in this birth)."  Singh, however, didn't elaborate over his statement. READ MORE

Prayagraj Police's Cyber Cell has been ordered to be on alert so that no one should share misleading information on social media regarding the killing of Atiq Ahmed and Ashraf, which may disturb law and order.

Moments before their killing, both Atiq Ahmed and hie brother Ashraf were speaking to the media while being taken for a medical check up.| READ MORE

The Prayagraj Police is patrolling sensitive areas across the city in the wake of killing of gangster Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf. The police have been directed to deal strictly with those trying to disturb law and order in the state.

“This shows the law & order situation of UP. This looks like a big conspiracy. There must be thorough probe & judicial inquiry into this & UP CM must resign…….”: Rashid Alvi, Congress leader on Atiq Ahmed & his brother Ashraf shot dead. 

Section 144 of CrPC imposed in all the districts of Uttar Pradesh, in the aftermath of Atiq Ahmed, his brother Ashraf Ahmed being shot dead in Prayagraj.

"Atiq Ahmed, his brother Ashraf Ahmed were brought for medical & while giving media byte, three people came as media persons and shot at them where both of them died. Three people have been arrested, they are being questioned. A journalist was also injured as he fell down & a constable sustained a bullet injury," says Ramit Sharma, Police commissioner, Prayagraj.

Security beefed up at Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityantha's residence following gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother's death. 

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognizance of the incident in Prayagraj. He immediately called a high level meeting and ordered a high level inquiry into the entire matter. The Chief Minister also gave instructions for the formation of a three-member Judicial Commission. All the three attackers have been caught on the spot. The police is investigating the matter - Statement from UP Government.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognizance of the incident and ordered a high-level probe into the incident. Further, he also gave instructions for the formation of a three-member Judicial Commission to investigate the matter. 

CM Yogi Adityanath orders a high-level probe into the incident

The forensic team has reached the spot where Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were shot dead while interacting with the media in Prayagraj. 

BJP MP Subrat Pathak has called for a thorough probe into the murder of Atiq Ahmed and Ashraf. He also said that strict action will be taken against the murderers. 

Speaking to the media, BSP MP Kunwar Danish Ali claimed that the UP Police was being used for political gains. "It is disheartening to see UP Police being used for political gains. The court gives punishment to culprits. This murder has challenged the power of the state govt. This is pure anarchy. It will lead to nowhere," he added. 

Section 144 has been imposed in several regions of Prayagraj to control the law and order situation. 

Moments ahead of their killing, both criminals, who were accused in the Umesh Pal murder case, were speaking to the media while being taken for a medical and their murder was captured on camera. "Nahi le gaye to nahi gaye (they did not take us, so we did not go)" were Atiq Ahmed's last words, when asked what did he have to say on not being taken to his son Asad's funeral.

A police constable has also sustained bullet injury in the attack. The injured constable has been identified as Maan Singh. Meanwhile, the police have

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi raised questions on the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh. "Atiq and his brother were killed while in police custody and were handcuffed. Slogans of JSR were also raised. Their murder is a perfect example of Yogi’s big failure of law & order. Those celebrating encounter-raj are equally responsible for this murder," he said. "In a society where murderers are celebrated, what’s the use of a criminal justice system?" he further asked. 

A high alert has been issued across Uttar Pradesh following the killings of Atiq and his brother Ashraf. Section 144 has been imposed in Prayagraj in the wake of killing of Atiq Ahmed and Ashraf.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is holding a high-level meeting at his official residence. According to reports, senior officers including  DG Law and Order, DGP and Chief Secretary Sanjay Prasad are in attendance at the meeting. 

The bullet-riddled bodies of Ahmad and Ashraf were taken away from the spot as tension gripped the area after the sensational killings.  "We are looking into the incident. It is too early to say anything. We are yet to question the arrested men," a police officer said.

Launching a veiled attack on the Yogi Adityanath-led government, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said that "crime has reached its peak in the state."  "Crime has reached its peak in UP and the morale of the criminals is high. When someone can be killed by firing openly amidst the security cordon of the police, then what about the safety of the general public? Due to this, an atmosphere of fear is being created among the public, it seems that some people are deliberately creating such an atmosphere," he tweeted. 

All the three attackers who opened fire at Atiq and his brother have been identified. They have been identified as Lavlesh Tiwari, Sunny, and Arun Maurya. 

The moment when Mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed were shot dead while interacting with the media.

According to sources, at least three attackers have been nabbed. However, the police are yet to confirm this. The attack took place when Atiq and Ashraf were interacting with the media when they were taken for a medical test at Prayagraj Medical College. The two were shot from point-blank range. At least 15 rounds were fired at the spot. 

~ Vishal Pratap Singh

The shooting was caught on camera as media persons were following the duo being escorted to the hospital by the police for a medical checkup. At least two persons were seen firing from close range at Ahmad and his brother who fell to the ground, while the police soon overpowered the attackers. The bullet-riddled bodies of Ahmad and Ashraf were taken away from the spot as tension gripped the area after the sensational killing.

Visuals have also emerged from Prayagraj where Mafia-turned-politician Atiq and his brother Ashraf were shot dead.