Who'll bell the these cats?

DIRECTOR GENERAL of police (DGP) Bua Singh recently issued a circular to all district chiefs asking them to collect details about the criminals and initiate stern action against them. Following the directives, the Lucknow police identified 81 land sharks and slapped the Goonda Act on them. But, the cops excluded a few following their proximity to corridors of power.

DIRECTOR GENERAL of police (DGP) Bua Singh recently issued a circular to all district chiefs asking them to collect details about the criminals and initiate stern action against them.

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Following the directives, the Lucknow police identified 81 land sharks and slapped the Goonda Act on them. But, the cops excluded a few following their proximity to corridors of power.

Besides, there are other hardcore criminals engaged in property grabbing and other activities, but they are roaming freely. Some of these gangsters even move with police gunners provided by the State Government. The cops do not muster enough courage to interfere in their activities.

For instance, Naved who lives in Chowk is a known aide of jailed don Mukhtar Ansari. He had shot at a policeman at Nirala Nagar in Hasanganj about five years back. The policeman had sustained near-fatal injuries. Naved was arrested and sent to jail. Naved and his cohorts were also involved in several criminal cases.

Despite this, Naved could be seen moving with police gunners. The district police could not defy the order from power-that-be which provided a police escort to the gangster.

Another hardcore criminal, Chhota Sabir from Barabanki enjoys patronage of a cabinet rank minister. Sabir, who was a prime target of the Lucknow police and the Special Task Force, too, moves with a police gunner. He was involved in several heinous crimes.

Sabir who roams freely in the State Capital is a frequent visitor at the Chowk residence of a police informer.

Another gangster, who is moving freely and continuing with his shady activities from Barabanki and Delhi is Shueb alias Bobby.

Bobby, a close aide of gangster Abhay Singh, was jailed in connection with the murder of Lucknow jail superintendent RK Tiwari in 1998.

Bobby had got a leading doctor of Barabanki city eliminated during his (Bobby’s) stay in the Lucknow jail.

Earlier, Bobby, too, was a target of the Lucknow police and the STF. But, soon the scenario had changed. Instead of collecting details about the gangster, now the cops reportedly follow Bobby’s directives. Thanks to his proximity to an influential politician of Barabanki.

Bobby looks after all business interests of jailed don Mukhtar Ansari. The trade included contracts, property related matters and providing manpower whenever required in Barabanki and Lucknow. Bobby visits the state capital frequently at his will but the STF sleuths watch his helplessly.

About six more such gangsters were active in and around the city but the cops prefer to turn a blind eye to them due to their strong political links.