- Atiq Ahmed's youngest son Abaan died in road accident.
- Family faces ongoing tragedy after Atiq and Asad's deaths.
- Gangster-politician's criminal empire dismantled, family scattered.
With the death of former gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed’s youngest son, Abaan, in a road accident, the family’s troubled history has once again come into focus. The latest tragedy comes more than three years after Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were shot dead in Prayagraj, while other members of the family continue to face criminal cases, remain in jail or stay away from public view.
Atiq Ahmed was a gangster-politician who, according to police charge sheets and investigation records, admitted to having links with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Even after being imprisoned, Atiq reportedly continued to operate his network across Uttar Pradesh. According to investigation reports, he allegedly influenced contracts, oversaw land transactions and maintained control over his associates and followers from behind bars.
Investigations by agencies including the Enforcement Directorate also uncovered a vast financial network allegedly linked to Atiq. The probe reportedly identified more than 200 bank accounts, around 50 shell companies allegedly used for money laundering and dozens of benami properties collectively valued at hundreds of crores of rupees.
Atiq Ahmed’s Alleged Links To Pakistan’s ISI
While Atiq Ahmed had a long criminal record, investigations into his network revealed another serious dimension involving alleged connections with international terror networks.
According to police charge sheets and investigation records, Atiq admitted to having links with Pakistan’s ISI and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Investigators also examined allegations that his network obtained weapons through cross-border drone drops.
These weapons were allegedly supplied to members of his criminal network and were reportedly used in high-profile crimes, including the murder of Umesh Pal.
The investigations also brought allegations of fake currency and other financial operations linked to the wider network under scrutiny, adding another dimension to the criminal empire attributed to Atiq Ahmed.
Atiq’s Family Faces Criminal Charges
However, Atiq’s death marked the beginning of an even more difficult phase for his family. Several members were facing criminal cases, while others were arrested, killed in encounters or forced to remain underground. With the recent death of Abaan in a road accident, the family has once again come under the spotlight.
Umesh Pal Murder Marked The Beginning Of Atiq’s Downfall
The murder of Umesh Pal on February 24, 2023, shook Prayagraj. The following day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed strong displeasure over the incident in the state Assembly and declared that the mafia would be dealt with firmly.
Umesh Pal was a key witness in the murder case of BSP MLA Raju Pal, in which Atiq Ahmed was an accused. Following Umesh Pal’s murder, the investigation intensified around Atiq’s family and his associates.
The case became a major turning point for Atiq Ahmed and his family, setting off a series of events that would dramatically alter their fortunes.
Asad Killed In Encounter, Atiq And Ashraf Shot Dead
During the investigation into the Umesh Pal murder, Atiq’s third son, Asad, who had been absconding, was named as an accused. On April 13, 2023, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) killed Asad in an encounter in Jhansi.
Just two days later, on April 15, Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were brought to Prayagraj for a medical examination at Kelvin Hospital.
As the two were being escorted back, Atiq began speaking to media personnel outside the hospital. Suddenly, three attackers posing as journalists opened fire on Atiq and Ashraf at close range. Both were killed in the shooting.
Atiq had five sons. His eldest son, Umar, is lodged in Lucknow jail, while his second son, Ali, is imprisoned in Jhansi after being transferred from Naini jail. Both have faced serious criminal cases, including allegations related to extortion and attempted murder.
Shaista Parveen Remains Absconding
Atiq’s wife, Shaista Parveen, was also named as an accused in the Umesh Pal murder case and has remained absconding.
Despite repeated searches, the police have not been able to locate her. Even after the deaths of her husband Atiq and son Asad, Shaista has remained away from the public eye.
Following Abaan’s death, speculation has emerged about whether Shaista could attend his funeral. Authorities are reportedly keeping a close watch on the situation.
Atiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan dies in Road Accident
The family was shaken once again after a road accident in the Poonch area of Jhansi last Thursday.
According to reports, a speeding car lost control and overturned, killing two young men. During identification, one of the deceased was found to be Abaan, Atiq Ahmed’s youngest son, while the other was reportedly a relative.
Abaan’s death has once again brought the Atiq Ahmed family into the spotlight and revived attention on the dramatic fall of one of Uttar Pradesh’s most notorious gangster-politicians.
Atiq Ahmed’s Empire Also Crumbled
The decline of Atiq Ahmed’s family was accompanied by the dismantling of the criminal empire he had allegedly built over decades.
Government agencies and the administration seized and demolished several properties allegedly linked to Atiq and his associates, involving assets worth crores of rupees. Investigations into his financial network also exposed properties and business structures allegedly used to conceal or move illicit wealth.
His once-famous office in Chakia, Prayagraj, where Atiq was known to hold his so-called 'court' and meet associates and people seeking his intervention, was also demolished. The building that once symbolised his influence now lies in ruins.
From a feared gangster-politician with a vast network of alleged criminal, financial and political influence to a family scattered across prisons, hiding and tragedy, Atiq Ahmed’s legacy has undergone a dramatic transformation.