Atiq Ahmed, a politician-mobster and his brother were shot dead on live television on Saturday night in India.

Mr Ahmed, a convict, is currently serving a life sentence. He was convicted of kidnapping while he was charged with murder and assault.

The New York Times said the convict and his brother were in police custody in Prayagraj, India when three assailants came in with fake ID cards and cameras posing as journalists and fired bullets at Ahmed and his associates from close range. 

The brothers died on the spot while the officers were responding to reporters’ questions. 

As the dead bodies were taken away, the assailants surrendered to the police and chanted “Jai Shri Ram” in Hindu, meaning “hail lord Ram.”

Earlier this week, 19-year-old Ahmed’s son was shot dead by the police. 

He was accused of the murder of lawyer Umesh Pal who died in February.

Vijay Mishra, Mr Ahmed’s lawyer, said his client had approached India’s Supreme Court two weeks back to report threats on his life and asked for protection.

The lawyer said his client was given assurance, but the police failed to protect his client and did not fire back at the assailants to protect his client.

“Knowing the risk involved, the police should have taken extra care when it comes to taking him to the hospital from jail. It was their responsibility, and the blame lies on them. The failure to protect his life lies at them,” Mr Mishra said.

He added, “When these men fired, the police were so scared that they did not fire back. I want to ask, why do they keep their guns, then? Do they keep these weapons only for scaring the common man?”

A statement by the Uttar Pradesh government confirmed the brothers’ death while noting that the home ministry has been ordered to commence an investigation and submit its report within two months. 

Meanwhile, the government has banned the internet in the state and warned against large gatherings to avoid an escalation of violence.