Maha pharmacist murder: Mumbai special court denies bail to accused veterinarian

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The Mumbai special court has denied bail to Yusuf Khan, a veterinary doctor and an accused in the murder of pharmacist Umesh Kolhe in Amravati. The court stated that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the accusations against Khan are prima facie true and that there is ample material to show his involvement in the alleged conspiracy to kill the pharmacist.

According to the police, Umesh Kolhe was stabbed in the neck by assailants on a motorbike while he was returning home on his two-wheeler after closing his medical shop in Amravati on June 21, 2022. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered a case on July 2 last year based on the directions of the Ministry of Home Affairs, charging Khan and others under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The court's order mentioned specific allegations and material indicating that Khan forwarded the deceased's social media post to other groups and individuals to seek revenge from Kolhe. The court concluded that Khan's act of spreading hatred against Kolhe in their community and discussing the consequences demonstrated his intention. The court also highlighted allegations that Khan approached a co-accused and conspired to behead the deceased.

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The court deemed the accusations against Khan as not inherently improbable or wholly unbelievable, stating that there are reasonable grounds to believe they are prima facie true. It emphasized the seriousness of the offense and the ample material indicating Khan's involvement in the alleged conspiracy. Consequently, the court denied Khan's bail application, considering the collective interest of the community and the lack of grounds in his favor.

Khan's lawyer expressed disagreement with the court's decision, stating that there were no cogent grounds to reject the bail application. They plan to file an appeal in the Bombay High Court seeking bail. Along with Khan, there are 10 other individuals accused in the case. (With inputs from PTI)