Atiq Ahmed’s Death: Security Ramped up in Uttar Pradesh Amid Fears of Tensions

Security in all 75 districts of India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, has been increased after the killing of politician Atiq Ahmed, who along with his brother Ashraf, was gunned down by three assailants in Prayagraj city on Saturday evening.

The shooting took place while the duo were being taken for medical check-ups; they were under police custody at the time.

Section 144 of India's Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which prohibits a gathering of four or more people, has been imposed across the state. The authorities have also ordered the deployment of Rapid Action Force (RAF) and additional security in Prayagraj and certain other districts of the state.

State chief Yogi Adityanath has ordered the police to monitor the social media and conduct 'flag marches' across the state. Adityanath convened a high-level meeting of officials late last evening to take stock of the situation following Ahmed’s killing.

Adityanath said that authorities would take "strict action" against those spreading "rumors" regarding the shooting incident. He also warned that people who try to disrupt the peace and harmony in the state won’t be spared.

He held a high-level meeting with top officials and ordered the security forces to maintain a vigil on the ground.

Adityanath has also put together a three-member judicial panel to investigate the incident.

All Three Attackers in Police Custody

All three attackers have been arrested and are being interrogated, police said. They have been identified as Lovlesh, Sunny and Arun Maurya, police told local media.

They shouted 'Jai Shree Ram' (a Hindu slogan) after shooting the gangster before surrendering to the police.

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

Political and Public Reactions

There have been a range of reactions from the public and politicians to the death of the once-dreaded gangster, who was on trial for his past deeds.

According to reports, locals in certain neighborhoods in Uttar Pradesh set off firecrackers in jubilation. However, in Ahmad’s neighborhood in Prayagraj, stones were reportedly pelted at police by angry locals.

At a political level, opposition politicians have condemned the BJP state government for the security lapses.

Asaduddin Owaisi, a prominent opposition MP and chief of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), described the killing as a "cold-blooded murder".

"The incident raises a big question about law and order. After this, will the public have any faith in the constitution and law and order of the country,” Owaisi asked.

Atiq Ahmed's Killing: Security Ramped up in Uttar Pradesh Amid Fears of Tensions

All Three Attackers in Police Custody

Political and Public Reactions