Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 20: A special NIA court in Mumbai has rejected the discharge plea of Irfan Khan, accused of masterminding the 2022 murder of Amravati chemist Umesh Kolhe, holding that the act was carried out with an intent to spread terror.
Special Judge Chakor Baviskar observed that the material on record indicates the killing was aimed at creating fear, particularly among a section of society, and falls under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) along with the Indian Penal Code.
The court remarked that the evidence examined so far was only “a tip of the iceberg” and noted that more material is likely to surface during the trial. It also expressed doubt over the possibility of the accused being acquitted.
The case pertains to the murder of Umesh Kolhe in Amravati on June 21, 2022. The killing was allegedly linked to social media posts supporting former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma following her controversial remarks.
Initially registered as a murder case, the probe was later handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which invoked UAPA provisions citing a larger conspiracy to instil terror.
Dismissing the defence argument that the case was a straightforward murder without a terror angle, the court held that available evidence suggested a deliberate attempt to “strike terror in a section of people.”
Witness statements cited by the prosecution reportedly included the accused making remarks indicating intent to target a community.
According to the NIA, Irfan Khan was part of a group that held meetings, mobilised individuals, and conspired to carry out the killing. He is accused of providing logistical and financial support to the attackers and helping them evade arrest.
The court noted that there was no personal enmity between the accused and the victim, indicating that the motive extended beyond an individual grievance.
The court observed that the alleged intent was not directed solely at Kolhe but aimed at sending a message to a wider community. It clarified that under Section 15 of UAPA, a terrorist act does not necessarily require the involvement of a banned organisation and can be carried out by individuals acting with intent to create terror.
Further proceedings in the case are ongoing.