Lovelesh Tiwari, who killed Atiq Ahmed is a Bajrang Dal activist; Ahmed predicted his own death 19 years ago

LUCKNOW: As per reports, Lovelesh Tiwari, who was arrested for the murder of gangster Atiq Ahmed and brother in Uttar Pradesh, is a Bajrang Dal activist. A national newspaper reported that his Facebook profile details confirm the same. The gang of killers shouted ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans after the murder. Meanwhile, Yagya Tiwari, the father of Lovelesh, said that his son was jobless and a drug addict. He added that Lovelesh was not involved in the family affairs and rarely visits home.

Sunny, another accused, is involved in 17 criminal cases including harassing girls in Hamirpur district. He was also jailed once but his political background is not clear. The third accused is Arun Maurya who left his hometown 15 years ago. No other details have been revealed about him.

Although the shooters have been arrested, it is not yet clear why they committed the murder. The accused said that they did this to get famous but the police have not believed this. The interrogation is ongoing.

At the same time, a report also came out in which Atiq Ahmed had told the media 19 years ago that he would be shot dead by police or goons. He said this to the media during the election campaign of 2004 assembly elections. Atiq Ahmed didn’t hesitate in meeting media persons and answering their questions even though he was known as a notorious criminal and gangster. He was shot dead while answering the questions raised by journalists on Saturday, thus making his prediction came true.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called a high-level meeting in connection with the murder. In the wake of the incident, prohibitory orders have been announced in UP. Internet has been disconnected in Prayagraj. There is a high alert in Kanpur. DGP and senior police officials have left to Prayagraj. 17 policemen who were with Atiq have been suspended after the incident. The Union Home Ministry has sought a report from the UP government on the murder. The Centre has informed the UP government to stop any move to disrupt law and order in the state and may send more central forces if necessary.

Atiq Ahmed and brother Ashraf Ahmed were shot dead in Prayagraj while they were being taken to medical examination. They were talking to the reporters when someone shot the two on their heads.

Atiq is accused in about 100 criminal cases. Umesh Pal, a witness in the 2005 murder case of the then BSP MLA Raju Pal, and two security personnel were shot dead outside their house in Dhoomanganj, Prayagraj on February 24.