The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear pleas on July 14 related to the investigation into the double murder of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad and his associate, Ashraf. Two separate pleas regarding Ahmad’s case were presented before a bench comprising Justices S R Bhat and Aravind Kumar.
The Incident
Atiq Ahmad, aged 60, and Ashraf were shot dead at point-blank range by three individuals disguised as journalists while they were being escorted to a medical college in Prayagraj on April 15. The incident raised concerns about custodial deaths and extra-judicial killings.
Pleas for Independent Commission
The Supreme Court will be considering a plea filed by the sister of Atiq Ahmad and Ashraf, seeking the formation of a commission led by a retired apex court judge to investigate the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Additionally, another plea filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari, requesting an independent inquiry into Ahmad and his brother’s killing, will also be heard.
Status Report Filed by Uttar Pradesh
The state of Uttar Pradesh has submitted a status report in response to the Supreme Court’s April 28 order, which directed a thorough investigation into the killings. The report addresses the incidents that occurred on April 15, the deaths of Ahmad’s son Mohd Asad Khan and Mohd Ghulam on April 13, and the implementation of recommendations from the Justice B S Chauhan Commission of Inquiry report.
Allegations of Suppression of Facts
Advocate Vishal Tiwari, in his plea, claims that the state’s status report contains “suppression of material fact.” He will be presenting a brief rejoinder to counter the state’s report during the hearing.
Focus on Systemic Issues
During the hearing, the Supreme Court bench noted that it is not only examining individual cases but also aiming to address the broader systemic problem related to police encounters and extra-judicial killings in Uttar Pradesh.
Ongoing Investigations
The state of Uttar Pradesh is reportedly investigating the April 15 incident in detail and also looking into potential security lapses that allowed the attackers to approach Ahmad and Ashraf. As part of the investigation, four police officers and the Station House Officer (SHO) of PS Shahganj have been suspended pending disciplinary proceedings.
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