Amravati Chemist's Murder: Killing Was Intended To Spread Terror, NIA Tells Court, Gets Custody Of Accused

Umesh Kolhe, who ran a drugstore in Amravati, was murdered on the night of June 21 for supporting suspended leader Nupur Sharma.

New Delhi: The accused arrested in connection with the killing of chemist Umesh Kolhe were involved in terrorist activities, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said on Thursday. A special court for NIA cases sent seven people arrested in connection with the murder of a chemist from Amravati to NIA custody till July 15. Kolhe was killed for supporting BJP's ex-spokesperson Nupur Sharma.

Earlier, all the accused were brought to Mumbai from Amravati city in eastern Maharashtra. Umesh Kolhe, who ran a drugstore in Amravati, was murdered on the night of June 21 for supporting suspended leader Nupur Sharma whose remarks about Prophet Mohammad had triggered a huge controversy.

Now the investigation of the case has been taken over by the NIA. The agency produced the accused before Special Judge for NIA Cases AK Lahoti and sought their 15-day custody. The NIA said that there was "incremental substance" against the accused and that they were involved in terrorist activities. However, after hearing the arguments, the court sent the accused to eight-day NIA custody.

The accused had no personal enmity with Kolhe except for their goal was to threaten people, the prosecution said.

A similar incident took place in Udaipur where a tailor was beheaded for supporting Nupur Sharma's statement. There was a deep-rooted conspiracy, the agency told the court.

Advocate Sharif Shaikh, appearing for one of the accused, contended that the prosecution didn't specify which terrorist organization was engaged in the crime and no specific information was given.

He additionally said there were no grounds for invoking the anti-terror Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The accused had spent sufficient time in the custody of Amravati police and presently they should be sent in judicial remand, the lawyer contended. Advocate Kaashif Ali Khan, appearing for another accused, made similar submissions while contradicting NIA custody and the application of UAPA.

(With PTI inputs)