The two accused in the brutal murder of a tailor in Udaipur, Rajasthan have been booked under the anti-terror Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The case is now being handed over to National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Interrogation of the two accused in the murder is underway and efforts are being made to find out whether they had any links with other extremist organizations internationally.
On Tuesday, Udaipur residents Riyaz Akhtari and Ghous Mohammed beheaded tailor Kanhaiya Lal with knives for allegedly supporting former BJP leader Nupur Sharmas remarks on Prophet Mohammed.
The two distributed the murder video on social media and issued threats to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in another video, which went viral.
‘The accused persons had also circulated a video of the criminal act in the social media claiming responsibility for the murder in order to trigger panic and strike terror among the masses across the country,’ an NIA official told the media.
The two accused were arrested by the Rajasthan Police at Rajsamand, while on their way to shoot another video at the Ajmer Sharif shrine.
Kanhaiya Lal was arrested on June 10 over a post on social media in support of Nupur Sharma. On June 15, while he was on bail, he complained to the police about ‘threats’ he was receiving from neighbours. The officials then called both parties to the police station and the matter was ‘resolved’ according to the local police.
‘I strongly condemn the Udaipur incident… We hope the Rajasthan govt takes strict action. Had the police been more alert, this wouldn’t have happened… Radicalisation is spreading… Nupur Sharma should be arrested; mere suspension was not enough’ said AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on the incident.
Curfew has been imposed in parts of Udaipur last night after stray incidents of violence were reported, Section 144 has also been applied under which large gatherings have been banned across Rajasthan at the moment.