Jhansi/Prayagraj, 13th April 2023: The encounter of Asad Ahmed, son of mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, has sparked political debates, accusations, and emotional outbursts. Asad was the main accused in the Umesh Pal murder case and had a reward of Rs 5 lakh on his head.
On Thursday, he was killed in an encounter by a 12-member team of the UP Special Task Force (STF) along with another shooter Ghulam in Jhansi.
Atiq Ahmed, who was also a former MP, wept bitterly and held himself responsible for his son’s death.
While being taken from Prayagraj Court to Naini Central Jail, he asked where his son would be buried and requested the administration to make arrangements for the son to be buried.
Non-BJP parties have started making statements on this encounter. Akhilesh Yadav, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Samajwadi Party Chief, accused the BJP government of doing “fake encounters” to divert attention from real issues. AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi accused the BJP of “breaking the law.”
The ADG of the STF has confirmed the encounter and said that the STF teams were following them. According to the police, bullets were fired from both sides, and Asad and Ghulam were injured in the encounter and later died.
After the encounter, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired a high-level meeting on “law and order” and praised the STF for their action. The Chief Minister was informed about the encounter by the Principal Secretary (Home), and a report was also placed before him on the matter.
The encounter of Asad Ahmed and Ghulam has once again raised questions about the use of encounter killings in the fight against organized crime. While the government claims that encounters are necessary to eradicate the mafia, critics argue that they are a violation of human rights and due process.
In conclusion, the encounter of Asad Ahmed has led to a heated political debate, emotional outbursts, and questions about the use of encounter killings in the fight against organized crime. While some support the government’s action, others see it as a violation of human rights and due process. It remains to be seen how this incident will impact the political landscape in Uttar Pradesh and the country as a whole.