Key Facts
The Bombay High Court on Friday directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to respond to an appeal filed by Irfan Khan, a prime accused in the 2022 murder of Amravati pharmacist Umesh Kolhe. Khan is challenging a special trial court's order that refused to drop charges against him.
A division bench of Justices AS Gadkari and Kamal Khata issued a notice to the federal agency and scheduled the next hearing after four weeks.
Details of the Case
Umesh Kolhe, who owned a medical store in Amravati, was attacked and hacked to death on June 21, 2022, while returning home on his scooter. His son and daughter-in-law, who were travelling separately nearby, could not save him. According to the NIA, the murder was linked to social media posts supporting former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma, who had made controversial remarks about the Prophet.
Irfan Khan, a real estate dealer, was arrested on July 2, 2022, and is accused of allegedly instigating and supporting the assailants who killed Kolhe.
Trial Court's Observations
In its March 10 ruling on Khan's discharge application, the special NIA court rejected the plea and observed that the murder was carried out with the intention of spreading terror, particularly among Hindus, and therefore attracted provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in addition to charges under the Indian Penal Code.
Conspiracy Allegations
According to the chargesheet, the conspiracy began after Yusuf Khan, a veterinary doctor, circulated a screenshot of a message allegedly posted by Kolhe in a WhatsApp group. The NIA claims the screenshot was shared in another group, “Kalim Ibrahim”, created by Irfan Khan, triggering discussions that culminated in a conspiracy to eliminate Kolhe.
The agency alleges that on June 19, 2022, Mohammad Shoeb, Atib Rashid, Irfan Khan and Shahim Ahemad met at Gausiya Hall in Amravati and allegedly decided to kill Kolhe, with Khan agreeing to provide support. The NIA has described Khan as the mastermind behind the conspiracy and accused him of recruiting individuals who remained out of the limelight.
Khan's Defense
Khan, however, maintains that he has been falsely implicated. In his plea, he stated that he has no criminal record, runs the NGO Rahebar which provided medical assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic, and has deep roots in society. He claims he has been targeted due to rivalry and the actions of anti-social elements.
What Readers Should Know
- The Bombay High Court's notice to the NIA is a procedural step; the court will hear the matter after four weeks.
- The case involves charges under UAPA, which is a stringent anti-terror law.
- The murder of Umesh Kolhe was one of several incidents linked to controversial remarks made by Nupur Sharma in 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Bombay High Court order in the Umesh Kolhe murder case?
The Bombay High Court sought the NIA's reply on an appeal filed by accused Irfan Khan challenging a trial court order that refused to drop charges against him.
Who is Irfan Khan in the Umesh Kolhe murder case?
Irfan Khan is a key accused and real estate dealer arrested on July 2, 2022, for allegedly instigating and supporting the assailants who killed pharmacist Umesh Kolhe in Amravati.
What is the NIA's allegation against Irfan Khan?
The NIA alleges that Khan was the mastermind behind the conspiracy to kill Kolhe, and that the murder was intended to spread terror among Hindus, attracting UAPA charges.