I am not absconding: Atiq Ahmed

New Delhi, Jan 13 (UNI) Controversial UP strongman Atiq Ahmed today categorically denied the allegations that he was absconding.

In a signed statement, he said, ''I am not absconding. Far from it, I continue to be represented before the court through my lawyers.'' ''Several FIRs have been filed against me. They are baseless and false.'' Expressing fear for life, he alleged that the UP government was after him. He apprehended false-encounters being stage managed to eliminate him.

His statement assumes significance in view of UP Chief Minister Mayawati demanding Z plus security from the Central government following an attack on her life by Atiq Ahmad. Besides, she has also accused the Centre of providing Ahmed a safe hideout to save him from the UP police.

Alleging SP leader Amar Singh of conspiring against him, he said, ''I also believe that SP leader Amar Singh is hatching a conspiracy against me,'' The controversial strongman called for the cases against him to be investigated by the CBI.

Flaunting his new-found political affinity with the Congress, he said, ''I believe it is the Congress alone which can rule the country as they have long experience.'' UNI SSS KD RAI2039