Sibal raises questions on Atiq killing, says 'art of elimination'

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on April 17 raised a series of questions over the killing of Atiq Ahmed and his brother

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on April 17 raised a series of questions over the killing of Atiq Ahmed and his brother, asking why they were being taken for a medical checkup by police at 10 pm when there was no emergency and why it was "open to the media".

Gangster-turned-politician Ahmed and his brother Ashraf, both in handcuffs, were shot dead by three men posing as journalists on Saturday night when they were answering reporters' queries while being escorted by police personnel to a medical college in Prayagraj for a checkup.

Also read | Opposition parties slam Uttar Pradesh Government over Atiq Ahmed’s killing

In a tweet, Mr. Sibal said, "Atiq and Ashraf (The art of elimination). Odd: 1) 10pm for medical check up? 2) No medical emergency 3) made victims walk 4) open to media? 5) assassins unknown to each other at the spot ? 6) weapons above 7 lakhs 7) well trained to shoot! 8) All 3 surrendered." The assailants were arrested soon after the dramatic shootout that took place in full view of camera crews.

On Sunday, the three assailants — Lavlesh Tiwari (22) of Banda, Mohit alias Sunny (23) of Hamirpur and Arun Maurya (18) of Kasganj — were presented in a district court and remanded to judicial custody for 14 days.

According to the FIR, the three shooters told police they killed the Ahmed brothers to make a name for themselves in the world of crime.

Police said the assailants had joined a group of reporters who were trying to get sound bites from the Ahmed brothers. The men suddenly dropped their camera and whipped out guns, they said.