RAIPUR: Amidst reports of Atiq Ahmed henchman, Guddu Muslim hiding in Chhattisgarh, state CM Baghel has assured full cooperation from the state police if the UP govt sought “help”.

“Guddu Muslim is hiding in Chhattisgarh. Uttar Pradesh STF is looking for him. They need the help of the Chhattisgarh Police. So Chhattisgarh Police will definitely help. But at least seek help,” Mr Baghel said while speaking to the reporters here.

Taking a dig at the laxity over law and order that led to the killing of Umesh Pal murder accused, Atiq and his brother Ashraf, Baghel stated that most of the criminals are in UP.

“There is no law and order in Uttar Pradesh. Anyone is being killed openly in police presence. Most of the criminals are in Uttar Pradesh. Even after that, if a criminal is hiding in Chhattisgarh and the police of another state need help, then the Chhattisgarh Police will definitely extend help. But at least ask for help,” he said.

Reports made rounds that Guddu Muslim who shot Umesh Pal, an eyewitness in the BSP ML Raju Pal murder case, in broad daylight on February 24 this year in Prayagraj, was hiding in Chhattisgarh. The UP STF which is searching Guddu Muslim reached Chhattisgarh on Monday. His crime was captured in the CCTV footage the police extracted during investigation.