Full Breakdown
Uttar Pradesh Police Locate Accused Mohammad Arman in Bihar Jail After Three-Year Manhunt
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Accused Found in Gaya Central Jail
Police in Prayagraj confirmed that Mohammad Arman—one of six individuals wanted for the February 24, 2023 murder of lawyer Umesh Pal and his two police security personnel—has been located in Gaya Central Jail, Bihar. Investigators learned that Arman had been in judicial custody in Bihar following a separate firing case that began shortly after the Prayagraj killings. A police team visited the prison, verified his identity through photographs and thumb impressions, and prepared to secure a transit remand to bring him back to Uttar Pradesh.
Background & Context
Umesh Pal, a senior advocate, was shot dead as he stepped out of his car in the Dhoomanganj area of Prayagraj. The attack, carried out in broad daylight, also claimed the lives of his two police bodyguards. Pal had previously served as a key witness in the 2005 murder of Bahujan Samaj Party MLA Raju Pal, a case that implicated gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brothers. Police allege that Arman was a sharpshooter for Atiq Ahmed’s gang and that CCTV footage from the 2023 scene shows him riding a motorcycle with fellow accused Guddu Muslim as a pillion rider.
Data & Statistics
- Reward for information: INR5 lakh announced for Arman’s arrest.
- Other rewards in the case: INR5 lakh each for Guddu Muslim and Sabir; INR50,000 for Atiq Ahmed’s wife Shaista Parveen; INR25,000 for his sister-in-law Zainab Fatima; INR25,000 for his elder sister Ayesha Noori.
- Accused count: Six individuals are currently wanted, including three members of Atiq Ahmed’s family and the two shooters Guddu Muslim and Sabir.
- Timeline of the murder: The triple killing occurred on February 24, 2023, in Prayagraj’s Dhoomanganj locality.
Official Statements & Responses
A senior police officer said the Uttar Pradesh police learned of Arman’s presence in Gaya about a week ago and subsequently coordinated with Bihar authorities to confirm his detention. The officer added that the Prayagraj police will approach the local court to obtain a B-warrant for Arman’s transfer in connection with the 2023 murder. Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Ajay Pal Sharma confirmed that transit remand has been granted and that Arman will be escorted to Prayagraj on the upcoming Monday.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Transit remand has been granted and he will be brought to Prayagraj on Monday.” — Ajay Pal Sharma
What’s Next
The transit remand scheduled for Monday will move Arman from Gaya Central Jail to Prayagraj, where he will face interrogation and further judicial proceedings related to the February 2023 killings. Authorities intend to file the B-warrant shortly after his arrival, enabling the continuation of the investigation and potential prosecution of the remaining accused.
