The public murders of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad and his brother in Prayagraj erodes popular faith in due process, which forms the bedrock of any criminal justice system. A daring shootout outside a medical college with scores of escort police and people present in the heart of a prominent city is disturbing enough. The murder were captured on live TV. There is no justification for the police failing to protect a high-profile criminal who is wanted in 100 cases. Probably the first time people have been killed by a third person whilst in police custody. The question rises that how such incident can take place amid alleged high security. Such matters are a severe threat to democracy and rule of law, such acts establish anarchy and prima facie development of police state. Murder in any police custody of a person is a very serious act and indicates the failure of police system in Uttar Pradesh. Subverting or violating the rule of law and judicial process for any political purpose is dangerous for our democracy.
