A week of uncertainty, fear

PRAYAGRAJ: After the killing of mafia brothers Atiq Ahmad and Khalid Azeem aka Ashraf on April 15, 2023, uncertainty and fear had prevailed in Prayagraj especially in old city areas. Eid preparations had come to a standstill and heavy forces were deployed at Chakia, Kasari Masari, Kareli and other areas where Atiq had influence. The traders outside Colvin Hospital still remember the night on April 15 when the duo was gunned down by three assailants while in police custody. All shops closed, and people rushed towards their homes as soon as the news of Atiq and Ashraf’s murder spread like wildfires in the city.

Around 8 pm on April 15, Dhumanganj police took Atiq and Ashraf to a deserted spot in the Kasari Masari area, and recovered two firearms, including a Beretta pistol and 58 cartridges. A couple of hours later, the police escorted them to Colvin Hospital for a medical checkup. As they entered the main gate, a group of mediapersons bombarded them with questions. When asked about not being allowed to attend his son, Asad’s, funeral, Atiq replied, “Nahi le gaye to nahi gaye” (If they didn’t take me, I didn’t go). Meanwhile, answering a question, Ashraf barely uttered his last words, “Main baat ye hai ki Guddu Muslim” (The thing is about Guddu Muslim), when Atiq was shot in the head at point-blank range. As panic ensued, more shots were fired at Atiq and Ashraf by three youths.

The incident took place on the 27th day of the Ramzan month, with people were on a shopping spree.

For the next two to three days, shops in old areas remained closed. After the burial of Atiq and Ashraf, the police finally breathed a sigh of relief.