On the run for 4 years, former UP MLA arrested for murder

Lucknow, May 1, 2011 (PTI)

Former Samajwadi Party MLA Mohammad Ashraf, an alleged acussed in BSP legislator Raju Pal''s murder case, was arrested by Uttar Pradesh''s Special Task Force from Gautam Buddha Nagar.

Ashraf, who has been on the run for four years and was wanted in connection with nine cases, was arrested last night, Special Director General of Police Brij Lal told reporters here today.

Ashraf, who is the brother of former MP Atiq Ahmad, carries a reward of Rs 1 lakh.

"During interrogation, Ashraf accepted his involvement in BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case," he said.

Brij Lal said that the former MLA is being brought to Allahabad where he would be produced before a court.

"During interrogation Ashraf alias Khalid Azeem revealed that there were several licenced fire-arms in the name of family members, including Ateeq''s wife," he said.

The SDG said that Ashraf told them that while on run, he stayed in an apartment purchased by Ateeq in Okhla area in Delhi.

"He also used to visit his relatives in Aligarh and Merrut, besides visiting one Mustaqeem in Kurla area in Mumbai," he added.

"Ashraf was being financially helped by his two sisters in Merrut and Aligarh and Ateeq himself," he said.

Ashraf has 34 cases, including those of murder and violation of the Gangster Act, pending against him.

Raju Pal was shot dead in January 2005 in Allahabad.

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