Atiq Ahmed murder: Mamata Banerjee slams UP govt, says 'shocked at total collapse of law & order' in UP

Kolkata: A day after Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were shot dead in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee slammed Yogi Adityanath government over alleged deterioration of law and order situation in UP.

Voicing concern, Mamata taking to Twitter said, “I am shocked by the brazen anarchy and total collapse of law & order in Uttar Pradesh.

"It is shameful that perpetrators are now taking the law in their own hands, unfazed by the police and media presence. Such unlawful acts have no place in our constitutional democracy.”

TMC minister Firhad Hakim, addressing a rally at Suri in Birbhum district (said to be a counter rally of Union Home Minister Amit Shah), mentioned that such encounters don't happen in West Bengal.

“If people of Bengal trust BJP, then Bengal will also become UP, where only encounters happen. Such a thing never happens in this state,” added Hakim.

Hakim also slammed Shah’s urge to win at least 35 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Taking potshots at the West Bengal Chief Minister, BJP co-incharge Amit Malviya said, “Your audacity to comment with a straight face is shocking! You, as CM of West Bengal, perhaps live under a rock, because if there is brazen anarchy and complete collapse of L&O in one State, without doubt, then it is WB… So, focus on addressing the terrible situation back home.”

Details of Atiq Ahmed's murder

According to reports, Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were killed while being taken for a medical test in Prayagraj. Atiq, a former gangster who had entered politics, was known for his criminal activities and had several cases against him.

The two were speaking to the media on camera when they were shot at point-blank range by three individuals. Despite falling to the ground, the men continued to be shot in the head, chest, and legs. The perpetrators were apprehended immediately along with their weapons.

Controversies surrounding the incident

The murder of Atiq Ahmed has sparked controversy and speculation, with some questioning the motives behind the killing. The incident occurred shortly after the death of Atiq's son, Asad, who was killed in an encounter with the police. At Asad's burial, Atiq and his wife were conspicuously absent, leading to rumors that they were prevented from attending the funeral.