After Atiq’s point blank killing, Centre now mulls SOPs for safety of journalists

Taking cognisance of the killing of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj last night, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided to prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the safety and security of journalists, top sources said on Sunday.

According to the source, the action has been conducted with the approval of Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the murders of Atiq and Ashraf in Prayagraj by three assailants acting as journalists. On Saturday night, Atiq and Ashraf were shot dead in Prayagraj under the spotlight of the media.
The attackers who attacked the jailed criminal and his brother pretended to be journalists at the crime site, according to the Uttar Pradesh Police on Sunday.

“The shooters were posing as journalists. As Atiq reached for a check-up, they were surrounded by other journalists and got close to Atiq and his brother. One was having a camera and was posing as a cameraman. Another was roaming around with a mike on which were inscribed the words NCR News. The third was assisting both,” a police source said.

“As Atiq reached the hospital, reporters started questioning them after 2 lines, one guy fired on his head from very close and Atiq fell down. Another two guys also threw the camera and mike and started firing,” the source added.

Atiq Ahmed was accused in the 2005 BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case and also in the Umesh Pal murder case in February this year.The shooting that occurred around 10 pm and was caught on camera as media persons were following the handcuffed duo, who were being taken to the hospital by police for a medical checkup.