Prayagraj: Property Dealer Shot Dead in Kareli; Police Probe Old Rivalry Angle Amid Speculation of Past Criminal Links

By BK Singh

A sensational murder in Ainuddinpur locality of Kareli, Prayagraj, has once again drawn attention to the complex nexus of property disputes and past criminal networks in the city.

On Wednesday evening, 47-year-old property dealer Mohammad Irfan was shot dead at close range by unidentified assailants, triggering panic in the area and prompting a multi-team police investigation.

Incident Took Place Near a Tea Stall

According to police sources, Mohammad Irfan, a resident of Ainuddinpur (Gauspur), had stepped out of his house in the evening and was sitting at a tea stall located around 50 metres from his residence near Bismillah Chowk, close to Makka Masjid.

At around 6:30 pm, four masked assailants arrived on two motorcycles. Witnesses reported that the attackers had covered their faces with cloth and masks, suggesting premeditation.

Before anyone could react, one of the assailants fired a shot at very close range. The bullet struck Irfan in the left side of his chest, causing him to collapse instantly. The attackers fled immediately after the shooting.

Residents rushed to help and informed the police. Irfan was taken to Swaroop Rani Nehru (SRN) Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Precision of Attack Raises Suspicion of Professional Execution

Police officials believe the manner of attack indicates prior reconnaissance of the victim’s routine.

Eyewitnesses stated that the assailants acted swiftly and appeared to have clear knowledge of Irfan’s presence at the spot. Investigators suspect that the shooters may have conducted surveillance before executing the crime.

CCTV cameras installed along nearby roads captured footage of two motorcycles carrying four suspects escaping the area, though the exact moment of firing could not be recorded because a camera installed at a nearby shop was not functioning at the time of the incident.

Police teams are examining footage from multiple surrounding locations to establish the escape route and identity of the attackers.

Five Police Teams Formed

Senior officers, including DCP City Manish Shandilya and ADCP Rajkumar Meen, visited the crime scene shortly after the incident.

Police have constituted five special teams to investigate the case from different angles, including:

• property dispute
• personal rivalry
• professional competition
• possible involvement of hired shooters

Security checks and search operations were conducted in surrounding areas late into the night, but the attackers had not been arrested at the time of filing this report.

FIR Registered Against Two Named Accused

Based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s son, Mohammad Aamir, police have registered a murder case against Asif Durrani and Rashid, residents of the Chakia area under the Dhoomanganj police station limits.

According to the FIR, a dispute had occurred nearly three years ago between the accused and the deceased regarding property dealings, which allegedly led to physical confrontation and continuing hostility.

Police stated that old enmity linked to property dealings is currently the primary line of investigation.

Authorities have not confirmed any linkage with organised crime groups at this stage and have stated that conclusions will be drawn only after examination of evidence.

Family Devastated

News of Irfan’s death caused deep shock among family members.

His wife, Magroon Nisha, sons Aamir and Faisal, and two daughters broke down upon seeing his body.

His elder brother Rizwan stated that Irfan had stepped out for a short while and had assured family members that he would return soon.

Family members described him as a person of calm temperament and stated that they were unaware of any immediate dispute that could have led to the killing.

Background Context Under Discussion Locally

According to local sources and residents of the area, Mohammad Irfan had reportedly worked in the past as a security associate for Ashraf, brother of slain gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad, both of whom were well-known figures in the criminal history of Prayagraj.

Atiq Ahmad and Ashraf were killed in April 2023 inside the premises of Colvin Hospital, Prayagraj, when they were brought under police escort for medical examination. Three assailants posing as media personnel shot them at close range. The attackers were arrested immediately at the scene.

The Atiq-Ashraf network had been associated with numerous criminal cases over several decades, including allegations of extortion, kidnapping and property grabbing. The Uttar Pradesh government in recent years has taken action against properties allegedly linked to the network under anti-mafia drives.

Following the deaths of Atiq and Ashraf, several individuals previously linked to their network reportedly shifted into legitimate business activities, including illegal, disputed property dealing.

Police officials have not confirmed any connection between Irfan’s murder and past criminal networks and have stated that the investigation is proceeding strictly based on evidence.

Investigation Continues

Police officials emphasised that all angles are being examined carefully.

DCP City Manish Shandilya stated:

“Prima facie, the incident appears to be linked to old rivalry. Multiple police teams are working on identification of the accused. CCTV footage and local inputs are being analysed.”

The absence of functional CCTV footage at the exact spot has posed a challenge to investigators, but authorities are relying on other surveillance cameras installed along nearby routes.

Law and Order Focus

The incident has raised concerns regarding safety and the persistence of violent rivalries linked to property disputes in urban areas.

Police officials have appealed to citizens to share any information that could assist the investigation.

Authorities have reiterated that strict action will be taken against those involved once evidence is established.

From Atiq Ahmad Era to Present: Kareli Murder Revives Memories of Prayagraj’s Violent Past Amid Continued Crackdown on Mafia Networks

The recent daylight killing of property dealer Mohammad Irfan in Kareli has once again revived discussions in Prayagraj about the city’s long and troubled history with organised crime networks, particularly those once associated with gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf Ahmad.

For nearly three decades, Atiq Ahmad’s name remained closely linked with the criminal landscape of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Beginning his career in the late 1980s, Atiq gradually built an extensive network that allegedly engaged in activities such as extortion, kidnapping for ransom, land grabbing and intimidation of rivals.

Over time, the influence of his group spread across Prayagraj and neighbouring districts.

Despite facing numerous criminal cases, Atiq Ahmad also entered electoral politics and served as MLA and MP several times. His rise reflected a period in Uttar Pradesh’s political history when individuals accused of serious crimes managed to wield influence in both criminal and political spheres.

His younger brother, Ashraf Ahmad, was also frequently named in criminal investigations.

Over the years, several violent incidents in Prayagraj and surrounding areas were linked to rivalry between criminal groups competing for control over contracts, land and local influence.

One of the most widely discussed incidents associated with the network was the 2005 killing of Raju Pal, a Bahujan Samaj Party MLA, who was shot dead in broad daylight in Prayagraj.

The incident had triggered widespread fear and highlighted the growing reach of organised crime in the region at the time. Ashraf had been named in this killing along with several of his gang members, common for both the mafia brothers.

Over the years, law enforcement agencies registered numerous cases against members of the network.

However, the pace of legal proceedings remained slow for long periods, contributing to a perception among residents that organised gangs had entrenched themselves deeply in local economic activities, particularly in property dealings.

The situation began to change significantly after Yogi Adityanath assumed office in 2017.

The present Uttar Pradesh government, headed by Yogi Aditya Nath, announced a policy of strict action against organised crime networks and land mafias across the state.

Police and administrative authorities began identifying properties allegedly acquired through illegal means.

Legal provisions such as the Gangsters Act and other laws relating to organised crime were invoked more aggressively.

Properties believed to be linked with criminal proceeds were attached or demolished following legal procedures.

Financial investigations were also initiated in several cases to identify assets suspected to have been acquired through unlawful activities.

Authorities emphasised that action would be taken against organised crime irrespective of political connections.

A major turning point came in April 2023 when Atiq Ahmad and Ashraf were shot dead while under police escort at Colvin Hospital.

The brothers had been brought for medical examination when three assailants posing as journalists opened fire at close range.

The killing of Atiq Ahmad and Ashraf became one of the most widely reported incidents in recent years, drawing national attention and sparking debate over security arrangements and the deep-rooted impact of organised crime in the region.

Following their deaths, authorities intensified action against individuals believed to be associated with organised criminal networks.

Several properties allegedly linked to gang members were subjected to legal action, and police claimed to have weakened the operational structure of such groups.

Officials stated that the crackdown aimed to restore confidence among citizens and ensure that land and business activities could function without fear or coercion.

Despite these efforts, isolated violent incidents linked to personal rivalries, property disputes and past associations continue to surface from time to time, reminding residents of the region’s complex criminal history.

In the present Kareli murder case, police have clarified that the investigation is currently focused on a property dispute and an old rivalry angle based on the FIR lodged by the deceased’s family.

Authorities have not officially confirmed any organised gang linkage in this case so far, and have emphasised that conclusions will depend on evidence collected during the investigation.

The Prayagraj police have reiterated that sustained action against organised crime remains a priority and that efforts are ongoing to ensure that past networks do not regain influence.

Residents, meanwhile, continue to hope that strict law enforcement and judicial processes will prevent a return to the atmosphere of fear that once affected daily life in parts of the city.

The Kareli incident has therefore not only raised concerns about law and order but also reopened public discussion about the long-term impact of organised crime and the importance of continued vigilance by authorities.