Shahabuddin, Yousuf and Suresh were shot dead on Wednesday by unidentified men — an alleged fallout of the ongoing gang wars to share the lucrative transport turf.

The families of the deceased have alleged that Ravindra Bhati often threatened the three men — owners of the Paradise Transport Company — if they did not shut shop. It is said the minister, that of the Home guards department, is directly involved in the transport business. The family has also said the police disregarded an earlier order of the Allahabad High Court which had directed them to provide security to the deceased.

Inspector General of Police of Meerut V K Gupta said, “A case has been registered against the minister and arrests will be made soon. We are not bothered that big names are involved. This will not deter us from our duty.” The authorities have already transferred the Station House Officer of Kasna G Kumar on charges of “inaction”.

The victims’ families have accused the police of colluding in the murders. They also accused the police had directives from the minister not to give these men any security. Sources said these men had earlier tried to talk to Bhati. Another state minister had acted as the mediator. But, nothing obviously came out of those meetings.

However, Superintendent of Police (Rural) A K Vijeta said, “We had not received any requests from their families to provide security.” Incidentally, the High Court orders were sent to the office of the Senior Superintendent of Police A Sathish Ganesh. He refused to comment on the issue.

Transport’s many wars
* Rivalry between Sunder Bhati and Naresh Bhati, both at large, has seen the deaths of 12 people since 1997 over rights to the Secunderabad transport area in Bulandshaher.
* Two former ministers fell out with each other in 1991 over the Escort Yamaha Transport company.
* In 2005, gunfights were common in the Kasna Industrial area. Things calmed down a bit after the police arrested 12 men.
* 2007: Shahabuddin, Yousuf and Suresh killed.