Raju Pal Murder: Atiq’s Sharpshooters Moves Allahabad HC

In the BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case, Atiq’s sharpshooter Abid and associates Javed and Israr, who were sentenced to life imprisonment on Friday have approached the Allahabad High Court.

Case Insights

They have filed an appeal seeking suspension of their sentence and release on bail. In response, the court has summoned the trial court records and given the CBI 4 weeks to file objections.

This order was issued by a bench of Justice Soumitra Dayal Singh and Justice Kshitij Shailendra on the appeal of convicts Javed and Abid. Raju Pal, an MLA, was killed in broad daylight in a dramatic manner in Sulemsarai, Dhoomanganj, in January 2005.

Raju Pal was murdered due to his victory over Ashraf, the brother of mafia don Atiq Ahmed, in the assembly elections.

Along with him, Devi Lal Pal and Sandeep Yadav were also killed. The incident led to widespread unrest in the city, with angry mobs setting fires at various places.

Subsequently, an FIR was lodged against Ateeq, his brother, former MLA Ashraf, and dozens of others.

Initially investigated by the police, the case was later handed over to the CBI by the Supreme Court’s order after 11 years.

Case History

Previously, on August 20, 2019, the CBI filed charge sheets against 10 accused individuals. After the trial, the CBI special court sentenced 6 accused to life imprisonment, and shooter Farhan was given a 4-year sentence under the Arms Act.

Among those sentenced to life were Atiq Ahmed, 3 sharpshooters including Abid, Abdul Kawee, Javed, Israr, Ranjit Pal, and Gul Hasan.

However, accused Atiq , Ashraf, and Rafiq alias Gulful Pradhan died before the verdict was announced. Now, sharpshooters Abid, Javed, and Israr have challenged the April 4, 2024 decision of the CBI special court.

Their appeal seeks suspension of their sentences and release on bail.

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