Atiq Ahmad Biography
On August 10, 1962, Atiq Ahmed was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh. and died in April 2023 was a notorious gangster-turned-politician in India, involved in several criminal activities, including murder, kidnapping, and extortion grew up in an intelligent family and a setting that encouraged his love of literature.
His mother, Rabeya Khatun, was a literature instructor, and his father, Muhammad Nurul Huda, was well-known in Bangladeshi literature.
Before enrolling in the University of Dhaka, Ahmed finished his education at the Dhaka University Laboratory School and College.
There, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. The University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom later awarded him a Master’s degree in Creative Writing.
Atiq Ahmed Wikipedia
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Atiq Ahmed |
| Date of Birth | August 10, 1962 |
| Place of Birth | Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Date of Death | April 15, 2023 |
| Place of Death | Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Cause of Death | Assassination (shot while in police custody) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Islam |
| Education | Attended Allahabad University |
| Occupation | Gangster, Politician |
| Father | Haji Firoz Ahmed (Rickshaw driver) |
| Mother | Not publicly known |
| Wife | Shaista Parveen |
| Children | Five sons: Umar, Ali, Asad, Ahzam, Abaan |
| Brother | Ashraf Ahmed (Khalid Azim), killed in 2023 |
| Political Career | MLA (1989–1991, 1991–1993, 1993–1996, 1996–2002, 2002–2004) |
| Member of Parliament | 2004–2009 (Phulpur) |
| Political Affiliations | Samajwadi Party (SP), Apna Dal Kamerawadi, AIMIM (joined 2021) |
| Criminal Cases | Over 160, including murder, kidnapping, extortion, and intimidation |
| Convictions | Convicted in 2019 for kidnapping a witness in a 2005 murder case |
| Assets Seized | Properties worth over ₹11,684 crore seized |
| Death Circumstances | Shot dead by assailants while in police custody |
| Legacy | Life marked by criminal activity and political influence, sparking discussions on the crime-politics nexus |
Atiq Ahmed’s Early Life and Education
Atiq Ahmed, born on August 10, 1962, in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, came from a modest background.
He was raised in the city where he would later rise to notoriety. Atiq’s early life was shaped by challenges, including his struggle with education.
He attended Majidiya Islamiya Intermediate College in Allahabad for his schooling. Despite his early education, he faced significant academic setbacks, notably failing his 10th-grade exams.
This failure marked a turning point in his life, as he began to distance himself from traditional education.
Atiq’s academic struggles led him to seek different avenues to make a living.
He later became involved in local businesses, including work as a contractor, property dealer, and agriculturist, before his eventual foray into the criminal world.
This background laid the foundation for his later ventures into politics and his notorious involvement in criminal activities.
Early Career and Business Ventures
After he failed in school, Atiq Ahmed started working in various local businesses in Allahabad. He worked as a contractor and was involved in property dealings.
Additionally, he ventured into agriculture, all of which helped him build an initial financial base. However, these ventures were just the beginning of his rise to power and influence.
Entry into the Criminal World:
Atiq Ahmed’s shift toward criminal activities began during his time in Allahabad. He became known as a gangster, and his criminal involvement grew.
Over the years, he earned a reputation for being a muscleman involved in extortion, land grabbing, kidnapping, and other illegal activities.
He was linked to several high-profile crimes, including murder, terrorizing local businesses, and political intimidation.
His criminal influence allowed him to build significant political connections, which helped him in furthering his interests.
Political Career:
Atiq Ahmed’s criminal background did not hinder his political ambitions. He joined Indian politics, initially aligning himself with the Samajwadi Party.
His entry into politics was facilitated by his vast network of local influence, derived from his criminal activities.
Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA): Atiq was elected as an MLA in Uttar Pradesh several times.
He served as an MLA from the Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) region, where his influence in the area allowed him to gather a substantial political following.
Member of Parliament (MP): He further escalated his political career by securing a Member of Parliament seat.
His connections with regional parties played a crucial role in his rise, as they needed his support to maintain power in the region.
Criminal Activities and Notorious Reputation:
As his political career advanced, so did his involvement in criminal enterprises.
He was accused of orchestrating and being directly involved in a string of murders, assaults, and attempted murders.
He was allegedly linked to some contract killings, many of which were related to business rivalries and political rivalries.
His criminal empire operated through fear and intimidation, and he built a loyal network of henchmen and associates. This made him a powerful figure both in politics and the criminal world.
Murder of Raju Pal: One of the most infamous acts linked to Atiq Ahmed was the murder of Raju Pal, a prominent figure and a political rival.
This incident attracted national attention and cemented his reputation as a dangerous criminal.
Criminal Cases and Arrests: Atiq Ahmed faced multiple charges, including murder, extortion, illegal arms possession, kidnapping, and rioting.
He spent time in prison on several occasions, although his influence allowed him to maintain control from behind bars.
Land Grabbing and Extortion: Along with his involvement in politics, Atiq continued his illegal operations related to land grabbing and extorting money from local businesses.
These activities were often carried out with the help of his criminal network, which included various thugs and criminal associates.
Family Involvement:
Atiq Ahmed’s criminal and political empire was not limited to just him. His family, including his brothers and his sons, became heavily involved in his business and political dealings.
His children, particularly his sons, have been accused of continuing his criminal legacy.
His Brother, Ashraf Ahmed: Atiq’s brother, Ashraf, was also heavily involved in criminal activities and was often seen as a key ally in Atiq’s criminal operations.
Ashraf was killed in an encounter with police, which further escalated tensions between Atiq and law enforcement agencies.
Downfall and Legal Troubles:
Over time, the pressure from law enforcement increased, and Atiq’s criminal network began to unravel.
The UP Police and national investigative agencies began to focus more on him, leading to his eventual arrest and conviction in multiple criminal cases.
His declining influence in both politics and the underworld was marked by the following:
Ongoing Court Cases: Atiq Ahmed faced numerous charges, some of which were directly tied to his political influence and criminal activities.
He was involved in a long legal battle, trying to maintain his power and sway, but faced increasing resistance from law enforcement.
Extrajudicial Killings and Violence: His involvement in several violent incidents, including his alleged orders for extrajudicial killings, further tarnished his reputation.
Controversial Influence and Legacy:
Despite his criminal nature, Atiq Ahmed was a figure that could not be ignored in his hometown.
His control over the local political and criminal landscape made him a powerful figure in the region.
His political connections, however, did not protect him from the eventual pressure that led to his downfall.
Final Days and Death:
Atiq Ahmed’s life came to an end when he was gunned down on April 15, 2025, while in police custody, in a dramatic encounter with the police.
His death was seen as the culmination of years of criminal activity, political influence, and legal troubles. It marked the end of an era of one of the most controversial figures in Uttar Pradesh politics.
NOTE: Atiq Ahmed’s career, from a failed student to one of the most feared criminals in India, reflects a complex web of politics, crime, and power.
His rise in the criminal underworld, combined with his political success, made him a figure who instilled both fear and admiration among certain sections of society.
However, his career ultimately ended in tragedy, as his criminal past caught up with him in the most dramatic fashion.
Atiq Ahmad Awards and Honors
For his contributions to literature and the arts during the course of his career, Ahmed has won numerous prizes and honors.
He has also received the Ananda Purashkar, one of India’s greatest literary accolades, and the Cross of Honor, one of Austria’s highest literary distinctions, in addition to the Bangla Academy Literary Award and the Ekushey Padak award.
Ahmed received the Padma Shri in 2020 for his achievements in literature and the arts, one of India’s highest civilian honors.
Death of Atiq Ahmed
Atiq Ahmed’s life came to a tragic end in 2025, when he was shot dead while in police custody.
The circumstances surrounding his death were as dramatic and controversial as the life he led.
He was being transported to court with his brother Ashraf Ahmed when they were ambushed and killed by gunmen.
The assailants, believed to have been hired by his rivals or other factions within the criminal world, fired multiple rounds at Atiq and his brother as they were under police escort.
The shooting occurred in broad daylight, and the incident was captured on live television, drawing widespread media attention.
The killing occurred despite heavy police security and precautions taken to prevent such an attack.
This raised questions about the ability of law enforcement to protect even high-profile criminals, and the incident sent shockwaves throughout Uttar Pradesh and the rest of India.
Atiq Ahmad’s Personal Life
Atiq Ahmed’s personal life was as complex and controversial as his public and criminal career.
His relationships, particularly with his family, political ties, and criminal associates, played a significant role in shaping his life and the legacy he left behind.
Family:
Atiq Ahmed was married to Shaista Parveen, and they had several children together.
His family was closely involved in his political and criminal activities, and his sons, in particular, were seen as part of his future legacy in both the business and criminal realms.
Wife – Shaista Parveen: Shaista Parveen, Atiq Ahmed’s wife, was often seen alongside him during his public appearances. Despite the criminal and political storm surrounding Atiq, she stood by him and was involved in his family’s business dealings.
was also seen as a central figure in managing family matters, although she too faced scrutiny due to her association with Atiq.
Children: Atiq’s children, particularly his sons, were involved in the family’s criminal and political activities.
His sons were often seen as part of the family’s dynastic politics, and they were rumored to have engaged in illegal activities similar to their father’s.
His children also faced various legal and criminal issues in the wake of his death.
Brothers and Other Relatives:
Atiq’s brother, Ashraf Ahmed, played a crucial role in his operations. Ashraf, often seen as Atiq’s right-hand man, was deeply involved in his criminal empire.
Ashraf’s death in a police encounter was a significant blow to Atiq, leading to increased scrutiny from law enforcement agencies and a greater push to dismantle their network.
Ashraf Ahmed: Ashraf’s role was not limited to just his criminal connections but also extended into political activities.
He was heavily involved in the Samajwadi Party, which had a political alliance with Atiq.
Ashraf’s death in an encounter with the police in 2022 created a significant rift in the family’s power structure, which contributed to Atiq’s eventual downfall.
Personal and Public Image:
While Atiq Ahmed was primarily known for his criminal activities and political connections, he tried to project a different image in public.
He often positioned himself as a protector of the poor and marginalized sections of society, offering his influence and power to assist residents.
This image helped him win some public favor, especially in the Prayagraj region, where he had deep roots.
However, this image was at odds with his reputation as a gangster and politician involved in numerous violent and illegal activities.
His dual persona, one as a political figure and the other as a criminal overlord, was central to his complex identity.
Notable Associations:
Political Ties: Atiq Ahmed was deeply involved in politics, and his connections with various political parties in Uttar Pradesh were crucial to his rise.
He had strong ties with the Samajwadi Party, which provided him with political backing and protection.
Criminal Network: Atiq maintained a vast criminal network, with several associates and henchmen under his control.
His influence was felt not only in local politics but also in the criminal world, where he was feared for his ruthlessness.
Controversial Relationship with Law Enforcement:
Atiq’s relationship with law enforcement was highly adversarial. Despite his numerous criminal activities, his political connections often allowed him to escape serious consequences.
He maintained a tense and contentious relationship with police officials, many of whom were reportedly under his influence or fear.
His life was marked by numerous court cases, interrogations, and imprisonments. However, even while incarcerated, he continued to wield significant power over his criminal operations and political dealings.
His personal life was often marked by a constant struggle between staying in control of his empire and avoiding legal repercussions.
Atiq Ahmed’s Parents and Siblings
Atiq Ahmed was born into a modest Muslim family in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh, India.
His father’s name was Haji Firoz Ahmed, who worked as a rickshaw driver. Details about his mother are not publicly available.
Atiq had a younger brother named Ashraf Ahmed, also known as Khalid Azim.
Ashraf was a former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and was involved in several criminal cases. He was killed alongside Atiq on April 15, 2023, while in police custody.
Atiq also had two sisters: Aaisha Noori and Unzila Noori
Atiq Ahmed Wife
Shaista Parveen is the wife of the late gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed. They married in 1996, and together they had five sons.
Born into a modest family in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Shaista’s father was a police constable. She led a simple life until her marriage to Atiq, which marked a significant shift in her personal and public life.
After Atiq’s death in April 2023, Shaista became a fugitive. She was named as one of the key conspirators in the Umesh Pal murder case and is currently on Uttar Pradesh’s most-wanted list, with a reward of ₹50,000 for information leading to her arrest.
Despite her fugitive status, Shaista has been described as the “godmother” of Atiq’s criminal empire, often managing operations during his incarcerations.
Atiq Ahmed Sons
Regarding Atiq Ahmed’s son, he has five sons, two of whom are Ali Ahmed, who is the target of four lawsuits, and Umar Ahmed, who is the target of one.
The three further sons of Atiq Ahmed are Asad, Ahzaan, and Abaan. Asad and his assistant Ghulam were slain in an encounter by the Uttar Pradesh Police in Jhansi on April 13, 2023.
Net Worth of Atiq Ahmed
Atiq Ahmed, a former criminal turned politician from India, is anticipated to have a net worth of $10 million in 2023, or around INR 810 crores.
Here is some trivia about Atiq Ahmed
1. Initial Career: Atiq Ahmed started his career as a small-time gangster before rising to prominence in the criminal and political landscape of Uttar Pradesh.
2. Criminal Beginnings: He was first involved in a criminal case at the age of 18, and over the years, became a notorious figure with numerous criminal charges, including murder, extortion, and kidnapping.
3. Political Influence: Despite his criminal record, Atiq managed to enter mainstream politics and became an influential figure in Uttar Pradesh, representing the Samajwadi Party and later joining Apna Dal.
4. Family Involvement: His family, including his wife Shaista Parveen and sons, have been involved in the criminal and political sphere. His sons have also faced criminal charges.
5. Wealth: He amassed significant wealth through his criminal and political activities, which led to the seizure of assets worth over ₹11,684 crore by the authorities.
6. Death: Atiq Ahmed’s death was a highly publicized event, as he was shot dead by assailants while in police custody, leading to national outrage and discussions on law enforcement and politics in India.
7. Assault on his brother: His brother, Ashraf Ahmed, was killed alongside him during the same attack, marking a dramatic conclusion to the Ahmed family’s criminal reign.
Criminal Cases of Atiq Ahmed
1. Murder of Umesh Pal (2005): Allegedly involved in the murder of a key witness.
2. Murder of Raju Pal (2005): Implicated in the killing of a political rival.
3. Kidnapping: Involved in several high-profile kidnapping cases for ransom.
4. Illegal Mining and Extortion: Engaged in illegal mining and extortion of businesses.
5. Attacks on Political Rivals: Orchestrated violent attacks on opponents.
6. Attempted Murder: Faced charges for attempted murder using firearms.
7. Fraudulent Land Deals: Was involved in land scams and forcibly acquiring property.
8. Arms Trafficking: Allegedly connected to illegal arms trafficking.
9. Money Laundering: Engaged in money laundering through criminal enterprises.
10. Riots and Communal Violence: Accused of inciting violence and benefiting from communal unrest.
FAQs
1. Who was Atiq Ahmed?
Atiq Ahmed was a notorious gangster-turned-politician in India, involved in several criminal activities, including murder, kidnapping, and extortion. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) and a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Uttar Pradesh, India.
2. What criminal cases is Atiq Ahmed involved in?
Atiq Ahmed was involved in multiple criminal cases, including the 2005 murder of Umesh Pal, the 2005 murder of Raju Pal, illegal mining, extortion, kidnapping, arms trafficking, and fraudulent land deals, among others.
3. What is Atiq Ahmed’s connection to politics?
Atiq Ahmed was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Shravasti constituency in Uttar Pradesh in 2000.
He later served as an MP from Phulpur in 2004 and was known for using his criminal connections to maintain political influence.
4. What was the impact of Atiq Ahmed’s criminal empire?
Atiq Ahmed’s criminal empire had a significant impact on the region of Uttar Pradesh, where he controlled illegal activities such as extortion, land acquisition, and political violence.
His influence reached into politics, law enforcement, and business, making him a feared figure.
5. What happened to Atiq Ahmed’s political career?
Atiq Ahmed’s political career was marred by his criminal activities. Despite being elected to various political positions, he faced constant legal challenges.
His influence in politics diminished after being convicted in multiple criminal cases and facing charges for murder and other offenses.
6. What was Atiq Ahmed’s net worth?
Atiq Ahmed’s net worth was estimated to be between ₹50 to ₹100 crore (approx. $6-12 million), accumulated through his criminal activities, extortion, and political dealings.
7. How did Atiq Ahmed die?
Atiq Ahmed was shot dead on April 15, 2025, while in police custody in Uttar Pradesh, India, by assailants posing as journalists.
His death is a part of the larger narrative of his criminal empire and the violent consequences of his actions.
8. Did Atiq Ahmed have any legal troubles during his lifetime?
Yes, Atiq Ahmed had numerous legal troubles, including multiple arrests, criminal charges, and convictions for murder, kidnapping, and other serious crimes.
His criminal career led to a complex relationship with law enforcement and the justice system.
Conclusion
Atiq Ahmed was a notorious figure in India, known for his criminal empire and his deep involvement in politics.
Over the years, he gained infamy for his criminal activities, including murder, extortion, and illegal land dealings, which overshadowed his political career.
Despite holding significant positions, such as a Member of Parliament and Member of the Legislative Assembly in Uttar Pradesh, his criminal dealings were always in the limelight.
His rise and fall highlight the complex intersection of crime, politics, and power in certain regions of India. Atiq’s net worth was a result of his illicit activities, and his life serves as a stark example of how crime can entangle with political influence.
His tragic death in 2025, while in police custody, marks the end of a controversial and violent chapter.
In summary, Atiq Ahmed’s life was marked by crime, politics, and controversy, making him one of the most talked-about figures in Indian criminal history.
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