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Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed were shot dead in police custody three years ago while being taken for a medical examination.
CM Yogi Adityanath accused the Opposition Samajwadi Party of encouraging criminal elements and contrasted its rule with that of the BJP. (X/@myogiadityanath)
Kasari-Masari in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, once considered the stronghold of gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed, will now be known as Sri Krishnapuri. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the renaming during his visit to the city on Thursday, while also laying the foundation stone for a housing project aimed at providing homes to 1,200 poor families on land seized from Atiq Ahmed.
“Kasari-Masari will no longer be known by that name. The entire area will now be developed as Shri Krishnapuri. Houses for the poor will be constructed on land reclaimed from the mafia, and a well-planned township will be developed here,” Adityanath said after performing the bhoomi pujan for the residential colony.
Issuing a warning against criminal activities, the chief minister said, “No one will dare to indulge in mafia activities in Prayagraj anymore. If anyone does so or gets it done, they should be prepared to be reduced to dust. No goon or mafia can encroach upon anyone’s property. If anyone does so, even the wealth earned by their fathers and grandfathers will be seized.”
According to officials, 602 houses will be constructed under the Padmalok Awas Yojana at a cost of more than Rs 191 crore. The project will cover 9,811 square metres of land reclaimed from Atiq Ahmed in Kasari-Masari.
Officials said Atiq Ahmed and his associates had occupied around two-and-a-half hectares, or approximately 15 bighas, of land and constructed a stable there. The administration subsequently demolished the illegal structures and recovered the land.
Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed were shot dead in police custody three years ago while being taken for a medical examination. Television footage showed Atiq speaking to reporters when at least two men opened fire on the brothers with pistols.
Three people surrendered to the police shortly afterwards. Atiq’s 19-year-old son, Asad, had been killed in a police encounter a few days earlier.
CM Yogi Targets Samajwadi Party Over Mafia Rule
Addressing the gathering on Thursday, Adityanath accused the Opposition Samajwadi Party of encouraging criminal elements and contrasted its rule with that of the BJP.
“When the Samajwadi Party comes to power, it brings mafia and goons, while the BJP brings development and change,” Adityanath said. He added, “There was a time in Prayagraj when any land that mafia Atiq and his brother Ashraf set foot on became theirs, while the government remained silent, surrendering before them.”
Describing the atmosphere that prevailed under the influence of criminal groups, the chief minister said, “Waving firearms, mafia members had become synonymous with fear and terror on the streets and in the lanes of Prayagraj. Because of the terror unleashed by the mafia, ordinary people felt unsafe.”
“In such an environment, development was impossible, investment could not come in, employment opportunities could not be created for young people, and no plan for their bright future could move forward,” the chief minister added.
He said his government had adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards crime and criminals since taking office.
“Our government made it clear on the very first day that it would adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards crime and criminals. No criminal would be given any leniency, and UP would be made mafia-free. Today, the results of this resolve are visible. The government took action to ensure that mafia, who had once symbolised fear and terror, were punished for their deeds,” he said.
Adityanath also referred to the construction of a high-rise residential complex on land recovered from Atiq Ahmed in Prayagraj’s Lukarganj area in 2023, a few months after the gangster-politician was killed.
The housing initiative is now being extended to Kasari-Masari, where the government plans to provide permanent homes to approximately 1,200 families in two phases.
“The residential scheme is now being taken forward in Kasari-Masari as well. Under the plan, the first phase will provide houses to 602 families, and the second phase to 598 families. Thus, approximately 1,200 families will receive permanent homes,” the CM said.
The proposed township is expected to accommodate more than 6,000 people. Outlining the facilities planned for residents, Adityanath said, “When approximately 1,200 families reside in this residential complex, the population here will exceed 6,000 to 6,500 people. They will not only be provided houses, but a well-planned township will also be developed separately for them.”
“There will be a market, park facilities, space for sports, a gym, and other amenities according to the needs of residents,” the chief minister added.
Prayagraj ITI To Be Named After Maharaja Bijli Pasi
The chief minister also announced plans to establish an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Prayagraj, which will be named after Maharaja Bijli Pasi.
“This ITI will be named after Maharaja Bijli Pasi. Maharaja Bijli Pasi had built 12 forts in Lucknow and its surrounding areas. During the era of foreign invaders, he staunchly protected Sanatan Dharma. By constructing the ITI in his name, tribute will be paid to his contributions,” Adityanath said.
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Ask News18Kasari-Masari, formerly known as the stronghold of gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed, has been renamed Sri Krishnapuri by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
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Aanchal is the Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than four years of experience in national and international news. My work involves covering breaking news, politics, current affairs and developments…Read More
Uttar Pradesh, India, India
October 16, 2026, 08:51 IST
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