Police search for arms smuggler Babar in Atiq murder case, suspected to have supplied weapon to killers

Babar, who is on the run since 2020, is suspected to have supplied weapon to Atiq's killers.

Kanpur: The name of notorious foreign arms smuggler Babar has surfaced in connection with the murder of gangster Atiq Ahmed. Though he has not been named directly in the case but it is being suspected that he supplied weapons and ammunition to Atiq's killers. Police have launched a massive search for Babar.

Atiq's shooters had used a Turkish-made Jigana pistol, which allegedly was given to them by Babar, who is already accused of supplying illegal weapons to criminals. Earlier, Atiq's killers namely Sunny Singh, Lavlesh Tiwari and Arun Maurya had reportedly told that they had come in contact with Babar.

Top officials of the Kanpur Police Commissionerate said they were looking for Babar, who is absconding since 2020. Last year, when there was violence at the city's parade square, Babar had reportedly helped the main accused. He is wanted in connection with many serious cases.

Police officers believe after Babar gets arrested, he will be made to reveal the network he had built in many cities and towns for smuggling foreign arms. After which, the entire network will come under police radar. The Kanpur Police Commissionerate has also planned to go ahead with the demolition of Babar's house.

Joint Commissioner of Police Anand Prakash Tiwari said: "We have initiated an investigation on the basis of cases that are registered in Bekanganj police station against Babar. Non-bailable arrest warrant has also been issued against him. We are hopeful that he will be arrested very soon," Tiwari said.