Flats on Atiq Ahmed’s land: UP CM Yogi Adityanath hands over keys to 76 families

In a significant development, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has handed over the keys to 76 families who are the beneficiaries of flats constructed on land previously owned by the slain gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed.

These flats were built under the government's flagship scheme, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). The housing complex, situated in the Lukerganj area of Prayagraj, consists of two blocks, a community hall, and a park. Each flat, covering an area of 41 square meters, was made available at a cost of Rs 3.5 lakh.

The foundation stone for this project was laid by CM Adityanath on December 26, 2021, and the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) played a vital role in designing the blueprint for the housing project on a 1,731-square meter plot.

Initially, a total of 6,030 individuals applied for the scheme. However, after a thorough scrutiny of documents, only 1,590 applicants were declared eligible for the flats. To allocate the flats fairly, a lottery was conducted on June 9 at the Allahabad Medical Association (AMA) auditorium. The beneficiaries were selected through this transparent process.

Over the last ten days, officials worked tirelessly to ensure the completion of the project before CM Adityanath's scheduled visit. With the keys now handed over to the beneficiaries, many expressed their joy and gratitude, as they never dreamt of having a home of their own. They shared their relief that they no longer have to worry about being asked to leave.

Atiq Ahmed, a notorious criminal involved in various criminal activities, including the murder of BSP MLA Raju Pal in 2005, and the killing of a witness in the case, Umesh Pal, earlier this year, had his land confiscated for this housing project. Atiq, along with his brother Ashraf Ahmed, was tragically shot dead by individuals posing as journalists outside a government hospital in Prayagraj on April 15, 2023.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak commended the state government's initiative to construct flats on the land previously held by the slain gangster. He emphasized the government's commitment to clearing illegal encroachments, constructing homes for the underprivileged, and ensuring their rightful ownership.