The UP police is searching for Shaista Parveen, the wife of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed who was killed last week. Shaista, who is known as the godmother of Atiq’s empire, is now one of the most wanted criminals in Uttar Pradesh. The police announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for information leading to her arrest. She is the main accused in Umesh Pal murder case.

From housewife to godmother

Shaista is the daughter of former police constable Mohammad Haroon. They lived in the police quarters at Damupur village in Prayagraj. Shaista is the eldest of seven siblings and studied till class 12. Shaista and Atiq got married in 1996. She was initially a housewife and later became the ruler of Atiq's empire when he went to jail. Criminal cases have been registered in the name of Shaista since 2009.

Entry into politics

Shaista entered in politics in 2021. She had joined AIMIM led by Asaduddin Owaisi. Later this year she switched to BSP. Shaista got involved in Umesh Pal murder case amid rumours that she will be contesting in mayor elections in BSP seat. Shaista was then dropped from the list.

Letter to Chief Minister

Shaista had written to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in February stating that Atiq and his brother-in-law were framed in Umesh Pal murder case and that Atiq was not involved. Shaista stated in the letter that her husband, children and brother-in-law will be killed if the Chief Minister does not intervene. In the letter, Shaista alleged that Minister Nandagopal Gupta was the main mastermind of Umesh Pal murder case and that the problem started when she was selected as BSP candidate for mayoral elections in Prayagraj. She added that the murder of Umesh Pal is a continuation of this.