The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over custody of all the seven accused in the murder of Amravati-based chemist Umesh Kolhe. The accused were granted four days' transit remand on Monday after they were produced before the Amravati court.
Amravati Police had earlier stated that there were links between social media posts supporting former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and the murder of Kolhe. Amravati police didn't suppress the case as was alleged, police commissioner Arti Singh said on Monday. Police didn't disclose the information earlier given the "very sensitive" nature of the murder case and to avoid any untoward incident, she said.
The seven accused are Muddasar Ahmad (22), Shahrukh Pathan (25), Abdul Taufiq (24) Shoaib Khan (22), Atib Rashid (22) and Yusuf Khan (32) and alleged mastermind Shaikh Irfan Shaikh Rahim. Police are on the lookout for one more suspect Shamim Ahmed in connection with the case.
Umesh was attacked with a knife by a group of three men between 10pm and 10:30pm on June 21. He died during treatment at hospital. He had supported a post on social media in support of Nupur Sharma, who made a comment on Prophet Muhammad in a TV debate.
