On February 13, 2026, Shoaib Kidwai, also known as Bobby and linked to slain gangster Mukhtar Ansari, was shot dead in broad daylight in Barabanki. The killing happened near Aseni turn on the Lucknow–Ayodhya highway under Kotwali police station. Kidwai, who faced multiple criminal cases, was traveling by sedan from Lucknow to Barabanki when attackers on motorcycles stopped his car soon after it came down from the highway. Barabanki Superintendent of Police Arpit Vijayvargiya and senior officers reached the scene and began collecting evidence. The police said special teams have been formed to catch the attackers. The Special Operations Group (SOG) and forensic teams are also investigating. CCTV footage from nearby areas is being reviewed, and Barabanki district is on high alert.