Man Linked to Mukhtar Ansari Shot Dead on Highway

Shoaib Kidwai, who was known to be connected to Mukhtar Ansari, was shot and died on Friday. This happened on the road between Lucknow and Ayodhya. Police are looking into why this happened.
By Newsroom | Crime, Uttar Pradesh |

Ambush on the Road

Shoaib Kidwai, also known as Bobby, an individual described as a shooter associated with the late mafia figure Mukhtar Ansari, was shot and killed. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon on the Lucknow–Ayodhya highway near the Aseni turn in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh. Reports indicate Kidwai was traveling from Lucknow towards Barabanki when his vehicle was intercepted. The attack, characterized by multiple bullet impacts on his car, suggests a deliberate and possibly well-prepared assault. Law enforcement and forensic teams were present at the scene to gather evidence.

Mukhtar Ansari associate Shoaib ‘Bobby’ Kidwai shot dead on Lucknow–Ayodhya highway - 1

Timeline of Events and Key Figures

The attack on Shoaib Kidwai unfolded during daylight hours on Friday. He was traveling alone in his Baleono car from Lucknow, reportedly heading to the court. Shortly after exiting the highway onto the service lane near Aseni Mod, his car was reportedly surrounded by assailants.

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Mukhtar Ansari associate Shoaib ‘Bobby’ Kidwai shot dead on Lucknow–Ayodhya highway - 2

  • Victim: Shoaib Kidwai alias Bobby. Described as a shooter and close aide of Mukhtar Ansari. He was also a lawyer practicing in Barabanki and a history-sheeter with the Kotwali police. Records indicate he faced charges including murder, gangster, and held a position as a senior block chief under the BSP government.

  • Alleged Affiliation: Known associate of Mukhtar Ansari, a prominent gangster-turned-politician who passed away recently. Police confirmed Kidwai's ties to the Ansari syndicate.

  • Location: Aseni turn on the Lucknow–Ayodhya highway, under the Kotwali police station limits in Barabanki district.

  • Method of Attack: Motorcyclists intercepted Kidwai's car. Reports suggest approximately 10 to 15 rounds were fired at close range. Some accounts mention two motorcyclists and possibly others in a car involved. The assailants are described as wearing helmets.

  • Fatal Injuries: Kidwai sustained bullet wounds, including to the face, chest, and hand. He was transported to a hospital, where his death was confirmed.

Evidence at the Scene

Initial findings at the crime scene point to a calculated attack:

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Mukhtar Ansari associate Shoaib ‘Bobby’ Kidwai shot dead on Lucknow–Ayodhya highway - 3

  • Bullet Damage: Kidwai's car exhibited numerous bullet marks, indicating sustained gunfire.

  • Number of Rounds: Estimates range from 10 to 15 rounds fired by the assailants.

  • Weapon Type: Some reports suggest the firearms used might have been of a restricted caliber.

  • Assailant Description: The assailants were on a motorcycle, and at least two were reportedly wearing helmets. The involvement of additional individuals in a car has also been mentioned.

  • Witness Accounts: The event occurred in a public area, though the speed and nature of the attack may have limited immediate witness engagement.

Official Response and Investigation

Police have launched an investigation into the shooting.

Mukhtar Ansari associate Shoaib ‘Bobby’ Kidwai shot dead on Lucknow–Ayodhya highway - 4

  • Confirmation: SP Arpit Vijayvargiya confirmed Shoaib Kidwai's association with the Ansari syndicate.

  • Deployment: Police teams have been dispatched, and efforts are underway to search for the assailants. Local police in Barabanki and surrounding districts are reportedly involved.

  • Forensic Examination: Forensic teams were deployed to the site to collect evidence.

  • Surveillance: Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the highway and surrounding areas to identify the perpetrators.

  • Investigation Focus: The motive behind the killing and the identities of the shooters are the primary focus of the ongoing investigation.

Background of the Victim

Shoaib Kidwai alias Bobby was a figure with a documented criminal history.

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  • Criminal Record: He was reportedly named in six cases, including charges of murder and under the gangster act. He was also a history-sheeter with the Kotwali police.

  • Political Connections: He previously served as a senior block chief for the Banki block during the BSP government.

  • Legal Practice: In recent years, Kidwai had been practicing law in Barabanki and frequented the court.

Connections to Mukhtar Ansari Syndicate

The association of Shoaib Kidwai with Mukhtar Ansari is a central aspect of the investigation.

  • Mukhtar Ansari's Legacy: Ansari was a significant figure in Uttar Pradesh's criminal and political landscape, facing numerous charges and serving multiple terms as a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA). His influence spanned decades.

  • Kidwai's Role: Kidwai is identified as a shooter and trusted confidant within Ansari's criminal network. His death is seen by some as a potential ripple effect from the power dynamics within the remnants of Ansari's criminal empire.

Possible Motives and Rivalries

While official statements focus on the investigation, the context of Kidwai's background suggests potential motives.

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  • Criminal Rivalries: Given his history and alleged involvement in criminal activities, potential motives could stem from inter-gang rivalries or disputes within the criminal underworld.

  • Past Crimes: Could the attack be connected to specific cases he was involved in, either as an accused or through his association with Ansari?

  • Law Practice: Although his legal work is mentioned, it is secondary to his notoriety as a shooter. Any professional disputes arising from his legal career seem less probable as a primary motive, based on current information.

Conclusion

The daylight shooting of Shoaib Kidwai alias Bobby on a busy highway represents a significant event, drawing immediate attention due to his documented links to the notorious Mukhtar Ansari. The attack was precise, executed by assailants on a motorcycle who intercepted his vehicle and fired multiple shots. Police have confirmed his association with the Ansari syndicate and have initiated a comprehensive investigation involving forensic analysis and review of surveillance footage. Kidwai's past, including his criminal record and prior political role, provides a complex backdrop against which law enforcement is attempting to identify the perpetrators and ascertain the motive behind this fatal ambush. The incident highlights the continuing presence of organized crime dynamics in the region.

Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Shoaib Kidwai?
Shoaib Kidwai, also called Bobby, was a man linked to Mukhtar Ansari. He had a criminal past and was also a lawyer.
Q: Where did the shooting happen?
The shooting happened on the Lucknow-Ayodhya highway near Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh.
Q: How did the attack happen?
People on a motorcycle stopped his car and shot him multiple times.
Q: What are the police doing?
The police are investigating the shooting and trying to find the people who did it. They are looking at evidence and cameras.