Gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, his brother Ashraf shot dead in Prayagraj

Prayagraj (UP): Gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were killed when unidentified assailants opened fire at them near a medical college here on Saturday night.

A video which has went viral on social media, shows Atiq Ahmed was shot while he was speaking live in media channels, when the duo were being taken for medical in Prayagraj. At least two persons who posed as media persons were seen firing from close range at Ahmed and his brother who fell to the ground, while the police soon overpowered the attackers.

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A senior police officer said three people have been arrested in connection with the incident. "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.

The bullet-riddled bodies of Ahmed and Ashraf were taken away from the spot as tension gripped the area after the sensational killing.

Both of them had been brought here for a court hearing in connection with the 2005 Umesh Pal murder case.

Umesh Pal, a key witness in the 2005 murder case of then BSP MLA Raju Pal and his two police security guards were shot dead outside his home in Prayagraj's Dhoomanganj area on February 24 this year. Based on a complaint lodged by Umesh Pal's wife Jaya Pal, a case was registered on February 25 against Atiq Ahmed, his brother Ashraf, Asad, Ghulam, and others.

Two days ago, Ahmed's son and an accomplice were killed in an encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Police in Jhansi. Asad and Ghulam were wanted in the Umesh Pal murder case of Prayagraj and were carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh each. The UP STF team was led by Deputy SP Navendu and Vimal. Sophisticated foreign-made weapons were recovered from the accused.

Further details are awaited.

Inputs from PTI