Brief history of Atiq Ahmed's killers: From everyday crime to a don-turned-politician's murder

The names of at least two of them already figure in the records of police stations in the State. But for nothing as audacious as the almost point-blank shooting of the mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf

The three men who carried out the attack on the gangsters Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf while posing as media persons told police they did this to make a name for themselves in the world of crime.

The names of at least two of them already figure in the records of police stations in the State. But for nothing as audacious as the almost point-blank shooting of the two brothers as they were being escorted into a Prayagraj hospital on April 15 night for a medical check-up, while the cameras rolled.

The alleged assailants, Lavlesh Tiwari (22) of Banda, Mohit alias Sunny (23) of Hamirpur and Arun Maurya (18) of Kasganj, were arrested by policemen accompanying the Ahmad brothers.

Also read: U.P. police intensifies security in Prayagraj after Atiq Ahmed, Ashraf shot dead; internet services shut, flag march in multiple districts

Tiwari was injured in the cross-fire, which also hurt a policeman.

A Banda resident, who did not want to be named, told media persons that Tiwari’s family was unlike the rogue son, whom he also described as a “drug addict”.

“His family has been our neighbour. The family is simple. Two of his brothers are priests while one is still studying. Lavlesh has been into crime and has been to jail several times. He has also gone to jail in an eve-teasing case earlier,” he said.