Kanhaiya Lal Killing: NIA Conducts Searches At 9 Places In Rajasthan, Phones & Laptop Seized

Udaipur Killing: Two men, Riaz Akhtari and Ghouse Mohammad, had slit the throat of Kanhaiya Lal inside his shop last month, leading to statewide outrage.

Security personnel deployed outside the closed shop of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur ( Image Source :PTI )

The National Investigating Agency (NIA) on Tuesday conducted searches at nine locations in Rajasthan's Udaipur in connection with the killing of tailor Kanhaiya Lal last month, PTI reported. The NIA, which took over the case on June 29, carried out searches on the premises of suspects in Udaipur.

Two men, Riaz Akhtari and Ghouse Mohammad, had slit the throat of Kanhaiya Lal inside his shop for supporting suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma on social media over her controversial remarks on Prophet Muhammed. Following the incident, parts of Udaipur were placed under curfew and prohibitory orders clamped over the state.

"During the searches conducted today at the premises of accused and suspects in the case, digital devices (mobile phones, laptop and SIM cards) and other incriminating materials have been seized. Further investigations in the case are in progress," PTI quoted an NIA spokesperson as saying.

READ | NIA Arrests Seventh Person In Connection With Udaipur Tailor's Killing

The NIA has so far arrested seven individuals in the killing of Kanhaiya Lal, including Riyaz Akhtari and Ghouse Mohammad. 

An NIA court on Tuesday remanded Akhtari, Ghouse Mohammad and Farhad Mohammad Sheikh, described by the NIA as their "close criminal associate", to further NIA custody.

The remaining four -- Mohammad Mohsin, Wasim Ali, Asif, Mohsin -- have been sent to judicial custody till August 1, PTI reported. Mohsin and Asif were arrested two days after the murder for their alleged involvement in the conspiracy. They were accused of conducting a recce of Kanhaiya Lal's shop.

"The court extended the remand of Ghouse Mohammad, Riaz and Farhad till July 16. They will be under NIA custody whereas the four other accused were sent to jail till August 1," special public prosecutor TP Sharma said.

(With inputs from agencies)