Dashcam video shows moment of Atiq Ahmed's son's fatal crash, SUV flung into air

A dashcam video has surfaced showing the moments before a fatal road accident that killed Abaan Ahmed, the 21-year-old son of slain gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, and his friend Sonu, 25, on August 6 near Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh. The footage, captured by a vehicle traveling behind the SUV involved in the crash, depicts the white Hyundai Creta moving at high speed on a multi-lane road before veering left, partially leaving the road, and colliding with a concrete divider. The impact was so severe that the SUV was thrown into the air, rotated mid-air, and landed back on the road. The incident resulted in the deaths of Abaan and Sonu, while three other occupants, Umar Ahmed, Mohammad Zaid, and Aslam, were injured and hospitalized. The accident occurred on the Jhansi-Kanpur National Highway in the Poonch police station area, approximately 70 kilometers from Jhansi. Abaan and his companions were traveling from Prayagraj to Jhansi to visit his elder brother, Ali Ahmed, who is currently incarcerated in Jhansi Jail. According to police, the vehicle was traveling at a high speed before losing control and hitting the divider. The video has since gone viral on social media, prompting authorities to verify its authenticity. Eyewitnesses and local reporters have confirmed that the locations and conditions depicted in the video align with the actual accident site. One witness, Deepak Yadav, described arriving at the scene shortly after the crash and hearing the loud impact. He recounted finding the occupants trapped inside the severely damaged vehicle and using an iron rod to break open one of the doors to free them. Abaan was reportedly conscious for a brief time after being rescued, identifying himself before losing consciousness due to severe internal injuries. Post-mortem results indicated extensive internal trauma, including ruptured organs and multiple fractured ribs, attributed to the high-impact collision. Sonu, seated behind Abaan, sustained a fatal head injury and skull fracture. The police are conducting an investigation to determine the exact sequence of events leading up to the crash. Initial reports suggested the driver might have lost control while trying to avoid an animal on the road, but the newly released dashcam footage shows the SUV overtaking a pickup truck just before veering toward the divider. Authorities are analyzing the video alongside eyewitness accounts, forensic data, and other evidence to establish the precise cause of the accident. Abaan’s body was buried two days after the incident under heavy police security. His elder brothers, Umar and Ali, who are currently serving prison sentences in Lucknow and Jhansi respectively, were brought to the burial site in police custody around 6 p.m. The Allahabad High Court had previously granted conditional parole to both men to allow them to attend their younger brother’s funeral. This decision followed the tragic killing of Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf in April 2023, when they were shot dead by three attackers posing as journalists outside a hospital in Prayagraj. The emergence of the dashcam footage has added a critical layer of visual evidence to the ongoing investigation. Investigators are focusing on whether reckless driving, mechanical failure, or external factors contributed to the crash. The video provides a detailed look at the moments leading up to the accident, offering insights into the vehicle’s speed and trajectory. While preliminary reports had pointed to potential distractions such as avoiding animals, the footage suggests a different scenario involving overtaking maneuvers. Authorities continue to review all available information to piece together the complete picture of the incident. The case has drawn attention given the involvement of Atiq Ahmed’s family, whose political and criminal history has made them prominent figures in Uttar Pradesh. The outcome of the investigation will likely influence public perception and legal proceedings related to the accident. The police have emphasized their commitment to thoroughly examining all aspects of the case to ensure transparency and accountability. The families of the deceased have expressed grief over the loss, while the broader community continues to await further updates. With the investigation ongoing, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind the crash that claimed two young lives.