Commission Finds No Conspiracy or Negligence in Atiq-Ashraf Murder

A judicial commission investigating the murder of gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf has dismissed any notions of a pre-planned conspiracy or police negligence. The commission's report was presented in the Uttar Pradesh assembly on the final day of the monsoon session on Thursday.

The five-member commission, led by former Allahabad High Court judge Dilip B Bhosale, was tasked with probing the April 2023 murders. Atiq Ahmed and Ashraf were shot at close range by three men disguised as journalists during a media interaction. Police were escorting them to a medical college in Prayagraj for a checkup at the time.

Commission's Findings on Police Role

The commission concluded that the incident on 15 April 2023, where Atiq Ahmed and his brother Khalid Azim alias Ashraf were killed, was not due to a pre-planned conspiracy by the State Police. "The incident of 15 April, 2023 in which accused Atiq Ahmed and his brother Khalid Azim alias Ashraf were killed by unknown assailants, was not the result of police negligence nor was it possible for them to avoid the incident," the report stated.

Atiq Ahmed and Ashraf had been brought to Prayagraj by police in connection with the murder of Umesh Pal. Umesh Pal was a witness to the 2005 killing of BSP MLA Raju Pal, in which Atiq Ahmed and others were prime suspects. The brothers were under police custody remand when they were shot dead.

Recommendations for Media Conduct

The commission suggested that media should observe certain restraints while covering such incidents. It recommended that authorities regulate and control media coverage, especially during sensational events. "Media shall not be allowed to telecast live any event/incident in such a manner that it gives the plan/information about the movements of the accused/victims as well as the activities of the police in connection with the said incident," it advised.

The panel also emphasized that media should not be briefed or informed about investigation stages. "Media shall not be briefed or informed about the stages of investigation of any crime such as taking the accused for recovery of incriminating objects," it said. Additionally, it advised against conducting talk shows during ongoing investigations into crimes of public importance.

Umesh Pal and his police security guard were shot dead outside his home in Prayagraj's Dhoomanganj area in February 2023. This incident led to increased scrutiny and subsequent investigations involving Atiq Ahmed and his associates.

The commission's findings provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding Atiq Ahmed and Ashraf's deaths. It also highlights the need for regulated media conduct during sensitive investigations to prevent interference with law enforcement activities.