'Save me': Eyewitness recounts Atiq Ahmed son's final moments after fatal crash

Abaan Ahmed, the 21-year-old youngest son of notorious gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, died in a road accident on Thursday morning in Jhansi district. His death occurred when the SUV he was in, driven by his friend Mohammad Zaid, crashed into a road divider near Poonch police station, about 70 km from Jhansi. Another friend, Sonu, also perished in the crash. Three others, Mohammad Zaid, Umar Ahmed, and Aslam, sustained injuries and were taken to Jhansi Medical College for treatment, where their condition is stable.

The accident happened around 10.30 am when the speeding Hyundai Creta, traveling from Prayagraj towards Jhansi, lost control and rammed into the divider. Eyewitness Deepak Yadav claimed that a calf unexpectedly appeared on the highway, causing the driver to swerve left. This maneuver then led to a collision with a motorcycle, followed by an abrupt turn that resulted in the SUV crashing into the divider.

However, survivor Umar Ahmed said the SUV became uncontrollable after hitting a brick on the highway. The road was wet due to light rain, and excessive speed might have also played a role in the accident.

Rescue efforts began immediately upon the crash. Deepak Yadav, one of the first to reach the scene, was unable to open the jammed doors and called for help. He used an iron rod to pry the vehicle open, rescuing Abaan, who pleaded, "Save me," before losing consciousness. Police arrived shortly after and continued to rescue the remaining occupants.

Police Superintendent BBGTS Murthy stated that preliminary findings indicate the speeding SUV lost control before striking the divider. A forensic team has examined the scene, and survivors and eyewitnesses have been interviewed. Abaan's body has been sent to Jhansi Medical College for a post-mortem examination, with his family expecting to receive it for burial in Prayagraj alongside his father, Atiq Ahmed, on Friday.