As the court demands answers, over 183 police encounters since 2017 are also under scrutiny, raising questions about law enforcement practices and accountability.
The Supreme Court has lashed out at the Uttar Pradesh government following the tragic deaths of former Lok Sabha member Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf in police custody in Prayagraj on April 15, declaring that "someone is complicit." In a pivotal move, the court has also demanded a comprehensive report on 183 "police encounters" that have occurred since 2017, raising concerns about the legitimacy of these operations, as reported by PTI.
The Uttar Pradesh police assert that a staggering 183 individuals have lost their lives in a series of police encounters since the Yogi Adityanath government assumed office in March 2017. However, these encounters have long been shrouded in controversy, with critics alleging manipulation for political gain. The bench of Justices S Ravindra Bhat and Aravind Kumar, sternly addressing the UP government, ordered the submission of a detailed affidavit within six weeks, including specifics of each encounter, progress in investigations, charges filed, and trial status.
Perturbed by the circumstances surrounding Ahmad's demise, the bench questioned the inexplicable security lapse, stating, "There were 5 to 10 people guarding him (Atiq)... How can someone just come and shoot? How does this happen? Someone is complicit." The court's scrutiny also extended to a plea from Aisha Noori, Ahmad's sister, seeking a thorough investigation into her brothers' killings.
While rejecting a request for an independent judicial commission of enquiry, the court acknowledged the state government's existing commission. Notably, the top court had previously agreed to hear pleas, including Aisha Noori's, for the formation of a commission led by a retired apex court judge to investigate the "extra-judicial" killing of her siblings.
Ahmad (60) and Ashraf met their tragic end when three individuals posing as journalists fatally shot them during a media interaction, capturing the entire event on national television. In response to mounting pressure, the Uttar Pradesh government has assured a diligent investigation, highlighting steps taken in the aftermath of the incident, including addressing the recommendations of the Justice B S Chauhan Commission that examined the encounter killing of gangster Vikas Dubey in 2020.