Uttar Pradesh: Mukhtar Ansari's associate Shoaib Bobby killed in Barabanki, riddled with 15 bullets

Lucknow: Shoaib Mahmood Kidwai alias Bobby, a former sharpshooter for Mukhtar Ansari, was shot dead in broad daylight on Friday afternoon. While returning from Lucknow to the court, criminals surrounded his car and fired 10 rounds at him. The weapon used in the murder is said to be of a prohibited bore. ADG Lucknow Zone Praveen Kumar also inspected the scene. Police from Barabanki and surrounding districts have been deployed to search for the shooters.

Who was Shoaib Mahmood?

Shoaib Kidwai alias Bobby, a resident of Civil Lines in Kotwali Nagar, currently lived in Mahanagar Extension Sector C in Lucknow. He had been involved in the legal profession for many years and visited the court almost daily. Bobby faces six cases, including two murders and a gangster case, and is also a history-sheeter in Kotwali Nagar. He was also the senior block chief of Banki block during the BSP government.

What led to the incident?

On Friday, he left Lucknow for the court alone in his Baleno car. As soon as the car reached the service lane from the Aseni Overbridge on the highway, the shooters surrounded the car and opened fire. The victim was reportedly shot in the right face, the left chest, and the leg, including the thumb of one hand.

The bullet that struck the face reportedly exited from the back of the neck. Superintendent of Police Arpit Vijayvargiya inspected the scene. After the deceased was identified, the police became more active. It is reported that there were two shooters wearing helmets on a Pulsar motorcycle and about six others in the car.

The motorcycle obstructed the car from the front, and as soon as the car slowed down, firing began, causing panic at the scene. Upon receiving the news, a crowd of lawyers gathered at the hospital mortuary, and heated arguments and arguments ensued between the lawyers and the police demanding action. The body was eventually transported to the post-mortem room, where hundreds of lawyers and family members arrived.

What action has the police taken?

ADG Lucknow Zone Praveen Kumar said that the investigation is underway to determine who committed the murder and why. Teams have been deployed and footage from the surrounding area is being examined. Police are now examining CCTV footage to find the killers. Shoaib Bobby's name had surfaced in the infamous jailer murder case. Additionally, Bobby had several cases filed against him related to murder, extortion, and gang warfare.

In recent months, rumors of a power struggle and rivalry within the gang have surfaced. Police are also investigating the possibility of the murder being the result of gang warfare. Following the demise of Mukhtar Ansari, Bobby had also become a target of his opponents.