SO WHAT if he enjoys the status of a minister of State? His name figures in police records as a history-sheeter (exempted from routine watch by police) at the Hasanganj police station. The record shows 48 cases of heinous crimes against him. Moreover, ex-Samajwadi Party MLC Arun Shanker Shukla alias Anna Shukla continues to hold the post of chairman of the UP Awas Sangh.
Anna Shukla earned the reputation of a mafia don and has been running an organised gang in Lucknow police records ever since he made a near-fatal attack on his archrival Gurbaksh Singh Bakshi ‘Baba’ in late ’90s. Baba was sprayed with bullets on La Touche Road but was saved after battling for life at the KGMU then.
No sooner the local body election was declared and Anna’s nephew Mukesh Shukla decided to field his wife Jyoti from Daliganj ward than the don swung into action. He started issuing threats to other candidates contesting against Jyoti.
Anna did not spare even his slain elder brother Prem Shanker’s wife Shiv Kumari, an independent candidate in the election from the same ward. Shiv Kumari had separated from the don soon after the death of her husband. Anna used to hurl expletives at Shiv Kumari regularly, the day she filed her nomination.
On October 14, Anna intercepted the vehicle engaged in canvassing for Shiv Kumari. The don assaulted her driver Umashanker brutally and threatened him to leave the area and not to support Shiv Kumari.
{{/usCountry}}On October 14, Anna intercepted the vehicle engaged in canvassing for Shiv Kumari. The don assaulted her driver Umashanker brutally and threatened him to leave the area and not to support Shiv Kumari.
{{/usCountry}}Similarly, Saira Bano, contesting under banner of Congress, too was threatened by the don to withdraw her candidature against Jyoti.
Saira’s husband Ramzan was assaulted by Anna and his goons when he refused to follow the diktats on October 12.
Businessmen Atul Jain and Rajju Tiwari were beaten up on Friday and Saturday, respectively for objecting to the orders of the don. Senior cops say they were looking into the matter.