The assassination of former MP and infamous Uttar Pradesh mafia figure Atiq Ahmed is linked to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and the Rathi Bhati gang. Senior journalist Manoj Ranjan Tripathi has detailed the 54-day planning process, the multiple assassination attempts, and the individuals involved. He disclosed that Jitendra Gogi, a close associate of Lawrence, provided a Zigana gun to three assailants who received training in Bundelkhand before executing the murder in a manner reminiscent of Umesh Pal's killing. Umesh Pal was a key witness in the 2005 Raju Pal murder case, where both Atiq and Ashraf were implicated.

On April 15, 2023, Atiq and Ashraf were shot dead while in police custody by three individuals posing as journalists. After the shooting, the assailants surrendered. Tripathi, who authored a book titled 'Kasari Masari' about Atiq Ahmed, explained that there were prior attempts on Atiq's life, including incidents in court and a medical facility. During Atiq's transport from Sabarmati to Uttar Pradesh, the shooters were reportedly with him for several days. The book chronicles the events leading up to the murder, highlighting the media's presence during the transport, which led to speculation about a potential accident.

Tripathi stated that after Umesh Pal's murder, it was determined that Atiq would also be killed. The plan involved making a public spectacle of the murder, similar to Umesh's, to send a message. The assailants were trained in Bundelkhand and disguised as media personnel to carry out the shooting.

Atiq's Murder Paralleled an Afghan Incident

Tripathi, with three decades of journalism experience, recounted witnessing Atiq's murder and drew parallels to a similar incident involving Ahmed Shah in Afghanistan, where a planned assassination occurred during a media interview. He noted that the method of execution in both cases was strikingly similar, with the assailants posing as legitimate media personnel.

Training and Weapons Supply

Tripathi revealed that the shooters underwent training that included watching footage of Ahmed Shah's assassination. He pointed out that their shooting stance resembled badminton footwork, a technique taught to evade detection. The weapons used were supplied by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang from Punjab, with a specific focus on the Zigana pistol, which is manufactured in Turkey and trafficked through various countries before reaching India.

Collaboration with Rathi Bhati Gang

According to Tripathi, the Rathi Bhati gang facilitated the contract for the assassination, with Jitendra Gogi orchestrating the plan. The shooters were instructed to target Atiq and Ashraf based on photographs provided to them. One of the assailants had previously been incarcerated and had connections to the Rathi Bhati gang, indicating a deep-rooted criminal network.

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