On April 21, after performing the Jumma namaz (Friday prayers) outside the Jama Masjid located at Patna Junction, a group of people reportedly raised “Atiq Ahmed Amar Rahe, Shahid Atik Ahmad” (Atik Ahmad should live forever, ‘martyr’ Atiq Ahmed) slogans. The mob also shouted slogans against the Modi government and Yogi government of Uttar Pradesh.
The mob addressed the slain dreaded gangster as a “martyr” and dubbed him a “hero”. The video of the incident is going viral on social media.
पटना जंक्शन स्थित मस्जिद के बाहर जुम्मे की नमाज पढ़ने के बाद मुस्लिम समुदाय के लोगों ने केंद्र की मोदी सरकार और उत्तर प्रदेश के योगी सरकार के खिलाफ नारे लगाए और कहा अतीक अहमद अमर रहे ,शहीद अतीक अहमद का नारा लगाया गया।@iAnkurSingh @UtkarshSingh_ pic.twitter.com/vDUApxIirT
— Journalist Nished Thakur (@nishedthakur123) April 21, 2023
In another video, a man leading the Muslim mob, identified as Raees Kavzavi, is heard telling the media that Atiq Ahmed is a ‘martyr’ for the entire Muslim community. He accuses the state administration and police of collaborating with criminals to assassinate Atiq Ahmed in the month of Ramzan.
After performing Friday prayers, people raised slogans against the Modi government and Yogi government, and chanted "Atiq Ahmed Amar Rahe". The slogans were raised outside the Jama Masjid located at Patna Junction. #JamaMasjid #patnajunction #Patna #Bihar pic.twitter.com/7yMgexWupK
— Daily News India (@DNI_official_TT) April 21, 2023
Congress leader demands Bharat Ratna for Atiq Ahmed, places tricolour on the ‘martyrs’ grave
This came merely two days after Rajkumar Singh alias Rajju Bhaiya, Congress councillor candidate from Ward-43 South Malaka for the upcoming Municipal election in Prayagraj demanded Bharat Ratna for the slain mafia. Rajju Bhaiya also said that Atiq Ahmed’s body should have been wrapped in the national flag.
In the video that went viral on social media, the Congress leader was heard demanding UP CM Yogi Adityanath’s resignation as he accused CM Yogi of getting Atiq Ahmed killed. He went on to demand Bharat Ratna — the country’s highest civilian honour — for Atiq Ahmed.
Meanwhile, Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla tweeted the viral video and slammed the Congress party for ‘eulogising’ Atiq Ahmed.
Congress candidate Rajkumar for local polls in UP says BHARAT RATNA AND SHAHEED STATUS must be given to Atiq Ahmad
— Shehzad Jai Hind (@Shehzad_Ind) April 19, 2023
This ecosystem hailed & eulogised Yakub, Afzal, Mukhtar and now Atiq! After Atiq ji comment by Punia ji & Tejaswi now this pic.twitter.com/JrP4FcdoEY
Besides, another video of Rajkumar Singh has surfaced online wherein he is seen laying down the national tricolour on Atiq Ahmed’s grave and saluting and raising slogans in his praise. This sparked outrage as netizens pointed out that this act by Rajkumar Singh is an insult to the national flag.
Congress councilor candidate Rajkumar raised slogans of Atiq Ahmed Amar Rahe. Also said Bharat Ratna dilaunga
— Ninda Turtle (@NindaTurtles) April 19, 2023
He also laid down National flag on his grave. @Uppolice this is an insult to the national flag. Please take action against him pic.twitter.com/ctSpJoe2lv
After the video went viral and the Congress leader received widespread condemnation for eulogizing the hardcore criminal Atiq Ahmed, the party distanced itself from its functionary and expelled him from the party for six years. Prayagraj Congress unit chief Pradeep Kumar Mishra reportedly claimed that the party does not approve of Singh’s remark, even if it was said in a personal capacity.
On Wednesday, the Prayagraj police arrested the local Congress leader for placing the tricolour on the grave of gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed, calling him a “martyr”.
