SC tells Prayagraj's CWC to consider release of slain gangster-politician Atiq Ahmad's two children

The apex court was hearing Shahin Ahmad petition seeking custody of the children aged 15 and 17.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday told the Child Welfare Committee to consider the issue of releasing the minor sons of slain gangster-politician Atiq Ahmad afresh in view of a report suggesting that both of them don’t wish to stay in the childcare institution.

A bench of Justices S Ravindra Bhat and Aravind Kumar took into account a report prepared by a support person, Dr. K C George, formerly Joint Director, National Institute of Public Co-operation and Child Development.

The support person had submitted his report on August 28 after interacting with the children, who are currently placed in an observation home in Prayagraj.

The court ordered the welfare committee to consider the matter and pass a reasoned order in a week.

The court fixed the matter for consideration on October 10.

Shahin Ahmad, sister of Atiq Ahmad, filed a plea seeking custody of the minor children, aged over 17 years and 15 years.

The Allahabad High Court had dismissed her plea of habeas corpus on the ground that the mother of the children, Shaista Parveen, is still alive, so she cannot claim herself to be the guardian. Shaista has reportedly remained at large since the killing of her husband and brother-in-law.

Former Phulpur MP Atiq and his ex-MLA brother, Ashraf, were killed in police custody on April 15 from point-blank range in full media glare by three shooters while the duo were being taken to a hospital in Prayagraj for a medical check-up.

Atiq’s son Asad was also shot dead by a special task force (STF) team during an encounter in Jhansi on April 13.

Atiq's family faced the brunt of the police after his son Asad was caught purportedly in CCTV footage pumping bullets upon an advocate, Umesh Pal, who was a witness in the case of the murder of BSP MLA Raju Pal.