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By India Today News Desk: Gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed was killed in the presence of police personnel in Prayagraj on Saturday, bringing an end to the reign of terror unleashed by his mafia. Surajkali Kushwaha, a resident of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the victims of that reign of terror.
In 1989, Surajkali’s husband suddenly disappeared. She was threatened that she would face a similar fate if she didn’t part with her land. Her ’12 bigha’ land was taken over by a housing cooperative society floated by Atiq’s gang.
In an exclusive conversation with AajTak, Surajkali said the land was grabbed by Atiq and his gang using fake documents. The land was sold and over 200 people were housed in society by the gang.
READ | The Atiq Ahmed story: Accused of murder at 17, 5-time MLA and helpless father in the end
Years passed and Surajkali did not get justice as the case was closed in the early 2000s.
Surajkali told AajTak that she and her son were attacked by Atiq’s gang in 2016. “I was fired upon indiscriminately. One bullet hit my neck,” she said, adding that threats continued.
“Whenever I went to the police with a complaint, I was told to either reconcile or keep quiet. I was told that these people would kill you. I am from a very poor family,” she said.
ALSO READ | Atiq Ahmed, Ashraf killed in front of cops by shooters posing as journos
Detailing another episode of terror unleashed by Atiq’s gang, Surajkali said her brother was once electrocuted by Atiq’s men and when she approached the police, she and her family received death threats.
“I was told that if you go to the police, you will be killed, your children will be killed. I kept pleading for help from the prime minister, chief minister and every top official. Atiq’s people also killed my husband. I have been fighting for my rights for 35 years,” she added.
Even after the death of Atiq and his brother Ashraf, Surajkali is living in fear.
“Fear will always be there. I want my security to be increased. I have nothing left now. I want justice. I should get my land back,” she said.
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