The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance with regards to the murder of gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed by shooters while the two were in the custody of the U.P. Police on 15th April 2024 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
The Commission has issued notice to the Director General of Police (DGP), Uttar Pradesh and Commissioner of Police, Prayagraj directing them to present the following information before the Commission within a term of four weeks:
- A detailed report having all the necessary information leading to the death of the brothers. (including date and time of death, place and reason for arrest)
- A copy of the complaint and FIR which was registered against the two.
- A copy of the arrest and inspection memo.
- Whether the information of the arrest was communicated to the family or the relatives?
- A copy of the seizure and recovery memo.
- A copy of the medical certificate of the two deceased.
- A copy of all GD extracts.
- Inquest report
- A copy of Post Mortem Report (typed copy describing injuries)
- Videocassette/CD of post mortem examination.
- Site plan of the scene of the occurrence giving all the details.
- Chemical & histopathology examination of viscera.
- The final cause of death based on the FSL report.
- Magisterial enquiry report.
Why NHRC took cognizance of Atiq Ahmed’s murder?
On the 15th of April 2024 evening, Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed were escorted by U.P. Police to the medical college of Prayagraj for their medical examination.
While entering the medical college, three attackers posing as media personnel gunned down Atiq Ahmed and Ashraf Ahmed from point-blank range which resulted in the death of two on the spot.
The attackers surrendered right after the incident and were given on remand under judicial custody for 14 days by Allahabad District Court.
The autopsy reports suggested that the deceased was shot 9 times taking bullet injuries in his head and chest.
Apparently, deceased Atiq Ahmed moved an application to the Apex Court 18 days before the incident, demanding an increase in his security and his family’s security as well, while challenging his transfer from Sabarmati Jail, Gujarat to Allahabad Jail, Uttar Pradesh.
The plea by Atiq Ahmed also highlighted his concerns before the Supreme Court that the U.P. Police can kill him in a fake encounter. Although, the Apex Court dismissed the appeal.
Thereafter, numerous complaints were received by NHRC after the murder of Atiq Ahmed and Ashraf Ahmed.
While being escorted from the court after the hearing, Atiq showed his concerns while replying to the media personnel saying, “Inki niyat theek nahi hai, ye mujhe marna chahte hai” (They want to kill me, they do not have a right intention.)
Whereas, his brother Ashraf Ahmed also showed his concerns to the media while sitting in the Police van that someone warned him saying, “Do hafte mei nikalenge tumhe jail se aur do hafte mei nipta diye jaoge” (You will be taken out of jail in two weeks and you will be dealt with in two weeks).
