Criminal turned politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed were shot dead by a group of assailants in Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh on April 15. The incident shocked the entire country as the shooting took place while Atiq Ahmed and Ashraf were talking to the media while being taken for a medical examination.

Atiq Ahmed's father used to ride tonga (horse carriage). Atiq entered into the world of crimes by stealing and selling coal from trains. Later, he started to threaten contractors and swindle money from them. Kidnapping and murder became his modus operandi after he moved into real estate. It is estimated that he had assets worth Rs 11,000 crores.

100 cases
Atiq had more than 100 cases in his name, including murders and kidnappings. He faced trial in 54 cases. There are 144 members in his gang. 57 FIRs were registered against Atiq's brother Ashraf. He was named an accused in the case regarding the murder of BSP MLA Raju Pal in 2005. He was also an accused in the murder of Umesh Pal, the main witness in the Raju Pal murder case. 10 High Court judges had withdrawn from considering the cases against Atiq Ahmed.

Began political career as independent candidate

In 1989, Atiq Ahmed contested as an independent from the Allahabad City West constituency and won. Later, he contested on Samajwadi Party, and Apna Dal tickets and won. He was elected to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly five times from Allahabad City West constituency.

In 2004, he won from the Phulpur Lok Sabha constituency on a Samajwadi Party ticket. This is the constituency that was once represented by former Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru. Atiq Ahmed surrendered to the police in 2008. He was later expelled from the Samajwadi Party.

In 2019, Atiq Ahmed contested against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi.