Jailed mafia to contest UP by-poll

Jailed mafia don Ateeq Ahmed has filed nomination papers from Phulpur Lok Sabha seat, for which by-poll is scheduled for March 11.

Ahmed, who is currently lodged in Deoria district jail in connection with the murder of BSP leader Raju Pal, filed his nomination papers as an independent candidate from Phulpur on Tuesday.

Ahmed's lawyer submitted the nomination papers before the returning officer, official sources here said.

Ahmed, who faces over a dozen criminal cases, including murder, extortion and kidnappings, had won the Phulpur seat as Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate in 2004 Lok Sabha elections.

The nominees of the Congress, SP and BJP have already filed their nomination papers from Phulpur.