NIA takes custody of all accused in Amravati chemist's murder

PTI

Amravati, July 5

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over custody of all seven accused in the murder of Amravati-based chemist Umesh Kolhe, a police official said on Tuesday.

The NIA took custody of all the accused, who were granted four days’ transit remand on Monday after they were produced before the Amravati court, he said.

The accused are likely to be produced before the NIA’s Mumbai court on or before July 8, the official added.

The Amravati police had found links between the social media posts supporting former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and Umesh's murder during the investigation and 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), Yusuf Khan (32) and alleged mastermind Shaikh Irfan Shaikh Rahim.

Police are on the lookout for one more suspect, Shamim Ahmed.

Umesh was allegedly attacked with a knife by a group of three men between 10pm and 10.30pm on June 21. He died at hospital. He had supported a post on social media in support of Nupur Sharma.