Overview
- Kidwai, 50–51, was attacked around 1–1:30 pm near Asaini Mod on the Lucknow–Ayodhya highway, and was declared dead at a local hospital after sustained gunfire at close range.
- Forensic and autopsy findings point to a coordinated hit using at least two firearms—a 9 mm and a .32 bore—with four bullet wounds identified and shots fired from multiple angles.
- Investigators say roughly 15 rounds were discharged, the assailants fled on motorcycles, and the car showed multiple bullet impacts consistent with a planned interception off the main carriageway.
- Seven police teams are on the case as CCTV is reviewed; the SOG has detained three people from Lucknow for questioning and the STF has joined to assist with technical and ballistic analysis.
- Officials cite gang rivalry or an internal power struggle as key lines of inquiry; Kidwai had about a dozen cases on record and was once accused—and later acquitted—in the 1999 jailer R.K. Tiwari murder, as lawyers in Barabanki protested and demanded arrests within 48 hours.