Biryani in Jail, ISI Links, Pak Weapons: 2 Ex-DGPs Decode Truth of Atiq Ahmed’s ‘Dhurandhar 2’ Portrayal

Dhurandhar: The Revenge, released on March 19, has sparked conversations for its portrayal of real-life figures with Atiq Ahmed becoming one of the most debated characters. The film, labelled a “propaganda” piece by some Islamist and left-liberal groups, depicts Atiq as part of a conspiracy to establish a “Pakistan-backed government” in Uttar Pradesh. It suggests that he maintained ties with Pakistan’s ISI and Lashkar-e-Taiba. This depiction has led to political controversy with opposition leaders and Atiq’s family reportedly calling it “propaganda” and “illogical.” They argue the film unfairly links him to foreign intelligence agencies.

Defending the film, former Uttar Pradesh DGP Vikram Singh and former Jammu & Kashmir DGP S.P. Vaid said the portrayal aligns with Atiq’s criminal record and alleged international connections. The two retired officers emphasised that the movie does not exaggerate the gangster-turned-politician’s network. Atiq, who had over 150 cases, served as a five-time MLA from the Allahabad West and Samajwadi Party MP for Phulpur, and continued managing his empire from prison until his murder on April 15, 2023, in Prayagraj court premises.

Speaking in Lucknow, Vikram Singh addressed Atiq’s alleged links to Pakistan. “There should be no doubt about this. When Atiq Ahmed was alive, his gang was listed as IS-277 (Interstate-277). In his confessional statements, he admitted that weapons — including .45 calibre pistols, AK-47s, and RDX — were brought to him via drones from Pakistan and reached Punjab. Through his contacts, he also had connections with Lashkar-e-Taiba and the ISI,” he told IANS.

Singh also pointed out that when Atiq’s house was searched, bullets and cartridges made in Pakistan were recovered. “If someone is supporting Atiq even after this, they should be ashamed of themselves,” he said. In Jammu, S.P. Vaid reiterated that the movie reflects the harsh truth. “The truth is harsh. When movies were made with Dawood Ibrahim’s money, it was ok, now that movies are being made on Dawood Ibrahim, people are feeling pain, because truth is always bitter. On the question of Atiq Ahmed, he was a gangster. He was an MP but was also a gangster. The whole world knows that he received illegal weapons, and his links with Pakistan are known to the world. What has been shown is based on the truth. Our own leaders were involved in fake currency racket,” Vaid told ANI.