LUCKNOW: As many as 160 cases have been lodged against the family of mafioso-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad, according to a UP police dossier.
Atiq and his family grabbed headlines after their names cropped up in the recent murder of lawyer Umesh Pal, a prime witness in the 2005 BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case.
Atiq has been named in 100 cases, while his brother Ashraf has 52 cases, wife Shaista has three, and sons Ali and Umar Ahmad have four and one cases, respectively, against them.
As per the dossier, Shaista has three cases of cheating registered in Prayagraj since 2009. A senior police officer said all three cases are under trial in the special CJM’s court in the district.
Similarly, Ali Ahmad has cases under IPC 295 A (mali-cious act intended to outrage religious feelings), attempted murder, and rioting, against him in which probes are underway.
Ali has also been chargesheeted in a case under the Arms Act from Kareli, while another case of rioting and attempt to murder lodged in Puramufti, in Prayagraj, isunder investigation.
Ali had surrendered before the sessions court in a case of extortion, attempt to murder and intimidation pending against him at Kareli police station, Prayagraj. Ali had been evading arrest for seven months and the police had announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for his capture.
Umar Ahmad has been charged by the CBI in a robbery and kidnapping case. Umar surrendered in March 2022 and is lodged in Lucknow jail.
Ashraf has a criminal record from as early as 1992. This includes a kidnapping case in Muthiganj police station, Prayagraj, and other cases registered in Rae Bareli and Chandauli districts. He was also charged by the CBI in the BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case of 2005.
ADGP (law and order) Prashant Kumar said police are taking serious note of the cases in which top criminals of the state are involved. “We have directed the prosecution and district police to expedite such cases and ensure that convictions are made,” he said.
Kumar added that properties worth Rs 11,684 crore belonging to Atiq and family have been seized and 54 of his cases are currently under trial in various courts.