In a significant turn of events, sharpshooters Abid, and associates Javed and Israr, convicted in the high-profile murder case of BSP legislator Raju Pal, have approached the Allahabad High Court seeking suspension of their life sentences and release on bail. The appeal follows a life sentence handed down by the trial court, with the High Court now summoning the trial court records and giving the CBI four weeks to file an objection.
The order was issued by a bench comprising Justice Soumitra Dayal Singh and Justice Kshitij Shailendra, who are reviewing the appeals of the convicted individuals. Raju Pal was publicly assassinated in a cinematic style in January 2005 in Dhuman Ganj’s Sulemsarai, following his electoral victory over mafia-linked politician Atiq Ahmed’s brother, Ashraf.
The incident, which also claimed the lives of Devi Lal Pal and Sandeep Yadav, led to significant unrest in the city with widespread rioting and arson following the murder. Subsequently, numerous FIRs were filed against Atiq, his brother Ashraf, a former legislator, and several others.
The case, initially handled by the police and later taken over by the CBI following a Supreme Court directive, culminated in a charge sheet against ten individuals by the CBI on August 20, 2019. The trial concluded with six individuals receiving life sentences and accused shooter Farhan receiving a four-year sentence under the Arms Act.
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The lifers include Atiq Ahmed, along with his sharpshooters Abid, Abdul Kavi, Javed, Israr, Ranjit Pal, and Gul Hassan.
