The Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested a relative of jailed gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed in Meerut for allegedly offering shelter to the killers of Umesh Pal who was shot down in Prayagraj earlier this yr, officers stated on Sunday.

Pal was a witness within the homicide of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA Raju Pal in 2005. Atiq’s brother, Ashraf, is a named accused within the case.

Atiq’s brother-in-law, Ekhlaq Ahmad, a physician by occupation, was arrested from his residence in Bhawani Nagar locality beneath Nauchandi police station limits on Saturday night. Ekhlaq is at the moment posted at a neighborhood well being centre in Meerut’s Abdullapur space.

Ekhlaq has been accused of offering shelter to the killers of Pal.

“It is suspected that Ekhlaq is also linked to Pal’s murder conspiracy and provided financial help to the conspirators,” stated Brajesh Singh, ASP, STF.

According to STF, Atiq’s son, Asad, shooter Muslim Guddu and Sabir visited Meerut after killing Pal and stayed at Ekhlaq’s home. Guddu and Sabir proceed to be at giant.

Ekhlaq has been dropped at Prayagraj for questioning, STF officers stated.

Meanwhile, Asad’s aide Shahrukh has additionally been arrested from Dhumanganj in Prayagraj with firearms and ammunition, police stated. A resident of Karari space in Kaushambi, he has been accused of serving to these concerned in Pal’s homicide.

“Both Ekhlaq and Shahrukh are being questioned in connection with Pal’s murder,” stated Rajesh Kumar Maurya, station home officer of Dhumanganj police station.