Jihadi Killers of Umesh Kolhe might be ‘self-inspired’ by ISIS module, officials say after raids.

NIA raids 13 places in Maharashtra, seizes pamphlets spreading hate messages. Officials say killers might be ‘self-inspired’ by ISIS module. Autopsy reveals, Umesh Kolhe died of 8-inch stab wound that reached his spine.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Mumbai | Jul 7, 2022::  The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday conducted searches at 13 locations across Maharashtra around Amravati in connection with the murder of Amravati based chemist Umesh Prahladrao Kolhe. Kolhe (54) — who had allegedly been attacked with a knife by a group of three Jihadi minded men between 10pm and 10:30pm on June 21 — died during treatment at hospital.

The chemist had put out a post on social media in support of Nupur Sharma, who had made controversial comments on Prophet Muhammad during a TV debate in May.

The probe agency also seized digital devices, pamphlets spreading hate messages and other incriminating materials including knives, reported ANI.

The seven are Muddassir Ahmad (22), Shahrukh Pathan (25), Abdul Taufiq (24) Shoaib Khan (22), Atib Rashid (22) and Yusuf Bahadur Khan (44) and alleged mastermind Shaikh Irfan Shaikh Rahim (32).

Officials on Thursday suspected that the Amravati chemist might be murdered by gang ‘self-inspired’ by ISIS. Officials noted that the killers might have been ‘self-inspired’ by the violence carried out by ISIS. A probe is going on to ascertain if the accused has any links with any terrorist organisation.

Notably, Amravati chemist Umesh Kolhe was killed by two motorcycle-borne assailants for allegedly putting out a post on social media in support of the suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma.

An official said that the manner in which Kolhe was killed indicated that the killers might have been ‘self-inspired’, taking a cue from ISIS.

Two of assailants worked in the chemist shop of Umesh and were enraged with Umesh Kolhe’s social media post and planned to kill the Hindu owner with other like minded Muslim brothers.

The agency called the murder ‘an act of terror to terrorise a section of people in the FIR.

A total of seven people were arrested by the Maharashtra police before the NIA took over the probe on July 2. The NIA has already taken over custody of all the seven accused.

A local leader of the Popular Front of India (PFI) was questioned by police here on Wednesday in connection with the killing. Sohail Nadvi, Amravati district head of PFI, was questioned at Nagpuri Gate police station, said an official. Deputy Commissioner of Police Vikram Sali said police were investigating his suspected connection with the arrested accused.

Umesh Kolhe, who was killed in Amravati last month, allegedly over his support to suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma’s comments on Prophet Muhammad, died due to stab injuries sustained on the side of the neck, stated the autopsy report.

Kolhe’s autopsy report stated that the wound measured 8 cm ×2 cm and reached his spine.

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__Inputs from Agencies.