Bareilly: In a significant development in the long-standing criminal investigations linked to the murder of advocate Umesh Pal, the Prayagraj unit of the Uttar Pradesh Police Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a close associate of the late mafia-turned-politician Atique Ahmed. The arrested individual, Afsar Ahmed, had a reward of ₹50,000 announced for his capture, officials said on Thursday.

According to a senior police officer, the STF apprehended Afsar from the Amar Colony area in Delhi on Wednesday. Following his arrest, he was brought to Bareilly, where formal legal procedures were completed before he was sent to jail. The officer highlighted that Afsar was wanted in a case registered at the Bithri Chainpur police station in Bareilly, which led authorities to declare the monetary reward for his arrest.

Role in Umesh Pal Murder Case

Police reports indicate that Afsar Ahmed was allegedly involved in facilitating a meeting between shooters implicated in the murder of advocate Umesh Pal and Atique Ahmed’s brother, former MLA Ashraf Ahmed. At the time, Ashraf was lodged in Bareilly jail. The authorities allege that the meeting was conducted with the connivance of jail staff, and during this unauthorized gathering, Ashraf reportedly met nine men—Guddu Muslim, Ghulam, Asad, Armaan, Vijay Chaudhary (alias Usman), Sadakat Khan, and others. Investigations, corroborated through CCTV footage and call detail records, suggested that the blueprint for the Umesh Pal murder was planned during this clandestine meeting.

Senior Superintendent of Police Anurag Arya stated that Afsar Ahmed played a pivotal role in this conspiracy, particularly in orchestrating the illegal jail meeting. The meeting allegedly enabled Ashraf and the shooters to finalize the plans that would ultimately lead to the murder of Umesh Pal, a key witness in the 2005 murder case of BSP MLA Raju Pal, in which Atique and Ashraf were named as accused.

Background of the Case

The origins of this complex criminal case date back to 2005, when BSP MLA Raju Pal was murdered. Umesh Pal, a prominent advocate, was a key witness in the investigation into Raju Pal’s killing. On February 24, 2023, Umesh Pal and two government-assigned security personnel were shot dead in broad daylight in Prayagraj, highlighting the ongoing threats and vendettas surrounding the case.

Afsar Ahmed’s arrest is seen as a crucial step in the ongoing investigation into the network of criminal activities orchestrated by Atique Ahmed and his associates. The authorities have been tracing the links between the slain mafia-politician’s close aides and violent incidents in the region, and Afsar’s apprehension is expected to provide critical leads.

Killing of Atique and Ashraf Ahmed

Atique Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were central figures in the region’s criminal-politics nexus. Both had been accused in multiple cases, including the 2005 murder of Raju Pal and subsequent crimes. On April 15, 2023, both brothers were shot dead by three assailants posing as journalists while they were being escorted for a medical check-up in Prayagraj. The attackers were quickly apprehended following the incident, but investigations have continued into their network and accomplices, including those like Afsar Ahmed who allegedly facilitated criminal activities even from behind bars.

Implications and Ongoing Investigations

The STF’s action underscores the continued focus of law enforcement on dismantling the remnants of the criminal network associated with Atique Ahmed. Authorities are likely to interrogate Afsar Ahmed to uncover further details about the conspiracies and coordination involved in the Umesh Pal murder and other linked cases. This could include understanding the extent of jail collusion, identification of additional conspirators, and establishing the operational methods used by the gang.

The arrest also highlights ongoing security challenges within the prison system, particularly concerning unauthorized interactions between inmates and external criminal elements. The illegal meeting in Bareilly jail, facilitated by Afsar, points to potential lapses in jail protocols, which are now expected to be closely reviewed by authorities to prevent such incidents in the future.

Law Enforcement and Legal Follow-up

Following the arrest, Afsar Ahmed will face judicial proceedings for his alleged involvement in the conspiracy to murder Umesh Pal. Given the high-profile nature of the case and its links to organized crime in the region, legal authorities are expected to ensure a thorough investigation while maintaining heightened security for witnesses and judicial personnel.

The case continues to be a focal point for law enforcement in Uttar Pradesh, as it illustrates the intersection of political influence, organized crime, and systemic vulnerabilities in the state’s criminal justice system. The STF and local police are expected to intensify efforts to track down other potential accomplices and ensure that all those involved in these criminal activities face appropriate legal consequences.

Conclusion

The arrest of Afsar Ahmed, a close aide of the slain mafia-politician Atique Ahmed, marks a significant breakthrough in a case that has seen multiple violent incidents over two decades. From the 2005 murder of Raju Pal to the 2023 killing of Umesh Pal and the eventual assassination of Atique and Ashraf Ahmed, the case reflects a persistent criminal network operating with political undertones. With Afsar in custody, authorities hope to unravel further details about the conspiracy, ensuring accountability and justice in one of Uttar Pradesh’s most notorious criminal investigations.

The continued vigilance of the STF and local police, alongside careful judicial oversight, remains crucial to dismantling such networks and restoring confidence in the rule of law in the region.