NIA to take over murder probe of Amravati chemist who allegedly shared posts in support of Nupur Sharma | India News

NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take over the probe into the June 21 killing of Amravati shop owner Umesh Kolhe over his alleged social media posts in support of suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma.
“MHA has handed over the investigation of the case relating to the barbaric killing of Umesh Kolhe in Amravati Maharashtra on 21st June to NIA. The conspiracy behind the killing, involvement of organisations and international linkages would be thoroughly investigated,” tweeted the home ministry.

The assailants slit Kolhe’s throat while he was going home from his shop on June 21.
Five arrested
Police have so far arrested five persons, Mudassir Ahmed Shaikh Ibrahim (22), Shahrukh Pathan Khan (23), Abdul Taufeeq Tasleem (24) , Shoeb Khan (29), and Ateef Rashid (23). All, except Abdul, have no offences or crime records. Abdul was earlier booked for a skirmish at a mosque.
Mudassir and Shahrukh, who were seen in CCTV footage while conducting recce, were arrested on June 23. Abdul and Shoeb the next day and Rashid on June 25.
Their police custody was extended till July 5 by a local court on Saturday.
Social media posts
BJP state spokesperson Shivaray Kulkarni met Amravati CP Aarti Singh last week, seeking clarification on the motive behind Kolhe’s murder.
BJP leaders believe Kolhe had forwarded messages in support of Nupur Sharma in social media groups, which led to the murder.

The assailants, who intercepted the victim on scooter near New Main High school, fled without taking any valuables or even his mobile phone. Kolhe’s family said he did not have enmity or dispute with anyone, and claimed to have come across his social media forwards in support of Sharma.
Singh said the police are exploring all angles behind the murder. “Motive is still not clear. Our investigation is on,” she said.
Udaipur killing
The motive behind the gruesome murder of a tailor by two men in Udaipur on June 28 has also been connected to the victim sharing social media posts in support of Sharma, who had made controversial remarks against the Prophet.

The case is also being probed by the NIA, which took custody of the two accused — Riyaz Akhtari and Ghouse Mohammad — from Ajmer’s high-security jail on Saturday. Akhtari and Mohammad along with two others have now been sent to 10 days in NIA custody.
(With inputs from agencies)
Watch Maharashtra: Five people arrested for murdering chemist in Amravati, NIA to take over probe