PRAYAGRAJ, Aug. 13 -- More than three years after the killing of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, the IS-227 gang's network and support base remain a concern for the Uttar Pradesh Police, with several key operatives still absconding and a large number of associates continuing to face criminal cases. The gang's lingering influence came under renewed scrutiny after a convoy of more than 30 vehicles allegedly followed police escorts transporting Atiq's sons, Mohammad Umar and Ali Ahmed, to Prayagraj for their younger brother Aban Ahmed's funeral on August 8. Police are now identifying the vehicles and their occupants, with FIRs registered in Prayagraj and Pratapgarh over alleged violations during the journey. According to police records, Ali Ahmed, who is alleged to be the current head of the IS-227 gang, has remained in jail since his father's death. However, senior officers believe the incarceration of key gang members has not dismantled the syndicate or its support network. Police teams in Prayagraj and Pratapgarh are examining CCTV footage from toll plazas and other locations to identify vehicles that accompanied the prison vans from Lucknow and Jhansi. Several vehicles were allegedly found without registration plates. CCTV footage from Nawabganj toll plaza allegedly shows members of the convoy damaging a toll barrier and allowing vehicles to pass without paying. Toll staff were reportedly threatened when they tried to intervene. Police also alleged that some vehicles later attempted to run over personnel while trying to evade interception near Chakia. The incident has drawn attention to the gang's remaining network. Three accused wanted in the Umesh Pal murder case - Guddu Muslim, Saabir and Armaan - remain absconding. Each carries a reward of Rs.5 lakh and is on Uttar Pradesh's list of 35 most wanted criminals. Three women linked to the gang - Atiq's wife Shaista Parveen, Ruby alias Zainab, wife of Khalid Azim alias Ashraf, and Atiq's sister Ayesha Noori - also remain wanted. Shaista carries a reward of Rs.1 lakh, while Ruby and Ayesha each carry a reward of Rs.25,000. DCP (Ganga Nagar) Kuldeep Singh Gunawat said police were verifying the ownership details of all vehicles captured on CCTV. "Every individual linked to the convoy will be questioned about the purpose of their presence and any connection they may have with the gangster," Gunawat said. DCP (city) Manish Shandilya said legal action would be taken against those found violating the law. Police records indicate that as of October 2025, the IS-227 gang had 121 active members facing serious criminal cases, besides 74 associates and sympathisers....