By Rajesh Pandey
The Allahabad High Court on Friday dismissed the bail applications of four accused — Dr. Akhlaq Ahmed, advocate Vijay Mishra, and aides Niaz and Kaish — in connection with the sensational Umesh Pal murder case, observing that their release at this stage could adversely affect the ongoing trial.
The order was passed by Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav. The court had reserved its verdict on October 10 after hearing arguments from both sides at length.
Doctor Accused of Sheltering Absconding Bomber
According to the prosecution, Dr. Akhlaq Ahmed, brother-in-law of slain gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, allegedly provided shelter at his Meerut residence to Guddu Muslim, the prime accused who hurled country-made bombs during the attack on Umesh Pal.
Guddu Muslim has remained absconding since the February 2023 incident and carries a reward of ₹5 lakh.
Akhlaq’s counsel argued that:
- He was not named in the FIR
- He is a professional doctor with no criminal links
- He is being targeted merely because of his relation to Atiq
The court, however, rejected the plea, noting that the prosecution’s allegations and available material warranted denial of bail at this stage.
Lawyer, Driver, and Domestic Aide Also Denied Relief
The bail pleas of advocate Vijay Mishra, driver Kaish, and domestic help Niaz were also dismissed.
Prosecution alleged that Mishra served as an information conduit for the conspiracy, while Kaish and Niaz allegedly assisted the network linked to the murder plot.
They were arrested in Lucknow and Prayagraj, respectively.
Their defence insisted they had no criminal history, and no incriminating material was recovered from them.
They contended they were being framed due to their professional association with Atiq Ahmed.
The court, however, accepted the State’s contention that granting bail could influence the trial, particularly when several prime accused, including Atiq’s wife Shaista Parveen, his brother Ashraf’s wife Zainab, and bomber Guddu Muslim, are still on the run.
Court Notes Trial Stage, Escape of Key Accused
Opposing the bail pleas, the government argued:
- Charge-framing is still pending in the trial court
- Several accused remain large
- Release of the applicants may hamper evidence and trial proceedings
The court concurred, stating that the nature of charges, the stage of trial, and the absconding status of key conspirators made the applicants’ custody necessary.
Background of the Case
On February 24, 2023, Umesh Pal — star witness in the 2005 BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case — and two police security personnel, Sandeep Nishad and Raghvendra Singh, were murdered outside Umesh Pal’s residence in Prayagraj.
Following a complaint lodged by Umesh Pal’s wife, Jaya Pal, an FIR was registered against:
- Atiq Ahmed
- Ashraf
- Their sons and close aides
- Guddu Muslim
- And others
Subsequently, Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were shot dead on April 15, 2023, while in police custody, outside Colvin Hospital, amid heavy media presence. Atiq’s son Asad was killed earlier in a police encounter in Jhansi.
Case Continues Under High Scrutiny
With the High Court rejecting bail to the four accused, the prosecution maintains an upper hand as proceedings move forward.
The trial court is yet to frame charges, and the search for remaining fugitives continues.
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