Uttar Pradesh: Second Encounter In Umesh Pal Murder Case, Here's What We Know So Far

In a major breakthrough in the ongoing saga of Umesh Pal’s murder in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, one of the main assailants Usman alias Vijay Chaudhary was shot dead in an encounter with the police on Monday (6 March).

Reports say he was seriously injured during the encounter and died while being rushed to the hospital.

He is said to be one of the first attackers of Umesh Pal, who was murdered allegedly by members of Atique Ahmed’s gang on 24 February.

Umesh Pal was one of the prime witnesses in the murder of MLA Raju Pal in 2004, who was murdered months after his victory over Atique’s brother Ashraf.

Mafia-turned-politician and former Samajwadi Party MLA Atique Ahmed, along with his wife Shaista Parveen, two sons, and brother Ashraf are among the prime accused in both cases.

Acting on a tip-off, a team was sent to Kaundhiyara area where Chaudhary was spotted, the police said. Chaudhary started shooting when he saw the police, and the police team chased him and shot back at him.

The encounter comes a week after another accused in the case, Arbaz, who allegedly drove the vehicle used by Atique’s gang members, was killed on 27 February. The police also arrested Sadaqat Khan on the same day for his involvement in the case.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, speaking a day after the murder of Umesh Pal in the state assembly, said that “iss mafia ko mitti me mila denge” (we will destroy the mafia).

Meanwhile, Umesh Pal’s wife Jaya had also sought enhanced protection from the Chief Minister. Opposition leaders, however, continue to defend the gangster-politician.

The government destroyed the illegal constructions of Rafiqussamad and Ikhtikhar Ahmed, who provided logistical support to the operation, and seized weapons and cash from the former’s residence.