UP cops grope in dark to trace elusive Atiq Ahmed gang members

PRAYAGRAJ: Even after questioning over 100 people associated with jailed gangster Atiq Ahmed, police are yet to collect any vital clues that could lead to the arrest of absconding accused involved in the murder of Umesh Pal, a witness in 2005 MLA Raju Pal murder case, and two of his police gunners on February 24.
Most of the leads picked up by investigators, including the STF, have led the cops to dead ends. The investigators have screened at least 1000 cell phones that were active in the area where the shootout took place.
However, with the wanted shooters constantly on the move, the investigators are missing the prized catch.
Teams of Commissionerate Prayagraj and Special Task Force (STF) have launched 'target' oriented operations to tighten the noose around assailants, conspirators and underground supporters. After the Dhoomanganj shootout, police have gunned down two of the assailants-- Arbaaz and Vijay Chaudhary alias Usman-and arrested one Sadakat Khan who was allegedly involved in hatching conspiracy to kill Umesh Pal.
Apart from these three key developments, cops have not managed to make any breakthrough in the case.
Officials associated with the probe said some of the prime accused, including Asad (son of Atiq), Gulam, Guddu Muslim and Sabir, all carrying Rs 5 lakh cash reward each on their arrest, are on the run and have been changing their hideouts and mobile SIMs on frequent intervals.
Moreover, cops have failed to extract any crucial information from the close associates of the gang and relatives of the absconders so far about their whereabouts. Sources in police and STF told TOI: "Cops have tracked out the possible hideouts of absconders, including Shaista Parveen, wife of Atiq Ahmed and carrying Rs 25,000 cash reward on her head, but failed to arrest her due to some reasons best known to them."
They added that cops are now looking for specific inputs to make a breakthrough.
Cops have oiled up their intelligence network to gather accurate information on absconders.
Moreover, officials of commissionerate Prayagraj and STF are coordinating and sharing inputs and chalking out joint plans to nab the absconders.
A senior cop preferring anonymity told TOI: "We have certain inputs and police teams have specified their targets and are working in this direction."