Amravati killing: NIA raids 13 places in Maharashtra, seizes pamphlets spreading hate messages
New Delhi, July 6: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at 13 locations in Maharashtra on Wednesday in connection with the June 21 killing of Amravati-based pharmacist Umesh Kolhe after he shared a Facebook post in support of expelled BJP leader Nupur Sharma.
The NIA team also seized various incriminating documents, including pamphlets for spreading hate messages.
The agency claimed to have confiscated digital devices (mobile phones, SIM cards, memory cards, DVRs), knives, and other incriminating documents and materials during searches of the accused's and suspects' homes.
The case pertains to the killing of Kolhe, who was allegedly murdered on the night of June 21 in Amaravati for certain social media posts.
The case was initially lodged at Amaravati's City Kotvali police station on June 22, however, the NIA took over the probe late. The agency re-registered the case on July 2 after an order from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
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On July 1, union home minister Amit Shah directed the NIA to take over a probe into the brutal killing of Kolhe. The said the killing took place exactly a week before Udaipur tailor Kanhaiyalal Teli was beheaded, a case that shocked the whole country.
Investigators so far believe that Kolhe, a 54-year-old chemist, was murdered allegedly in retaliation for a social media post supporting Nupur Sharma who had made controversial comments on the Prophet.
Following an initial investigation by the City Kotwali Police Station in Amravati after a complaint by Umesh Kolhe's son Sanket Kolhe, two people were arrested on June 23: Muddsir Ahemad (22), and Shahrukh Pathan (25). Their interrogation revealed the involvement of four more people, three of whom were arrested on June 25: Abdul Thoufik (24), Shoaib Khan (22), and Atib Rashid (22).
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-PTC News
