UP Gangster And Ex-MP Atiq Ahmed Convicted In Umesh Pal Kidnapping Case

Gangster Atiq Ahmed stands convicted in the Umesh Pal kidnapping case of 2006.

He awaits the sentencing, which will be announced after 2 pm today (28 March).

Ahmed's brother Khalid Azim is among the acquitted.

Ahmed and his brother arrived at the Naini Central Jail in Prayagraj after a 24-hour journey from Gujarat with heavy security.

They stood trial in a Prayagraj court for the kidnapping of Umesh Pal, a key witness in the Raju Pal murder case, in 2006.

Rajul Pal was a member of the legislative assembly (MLA) for the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). He was murdered in 2005.

Umesh had approached the police as a witness. In 2006, he claimed to have been kidnapped at gunpoint after his refusal to retract his statement under pressure from Ahmed.

The police had then registered a first information report (FIR) against Ahmed, his brother, and four others.

Umesh Pal was shot dead outside his house in Prayagraj on 24 February.

Ahmed claimed a threat to his life in Uttar Pradesh policy custody.

The Supreme Court had earlier denied protection, but it has permitted Ahmed to approach the Allahabad High Court to seek protection.