Amravati Murder Case: Court Rejects Maulana's Bail Plea, Says He Is Shedding 'Crocodile Tears' For Speedy Trial

A special court in Mumbai has rejected the bail plea of Maulana Mushfiq Ahmad, an accused in the Umesh Kolhe murder case in Amravati, for the second time. The court remarked on the delay in the trial, stating that the accused is shedding 'crocodile tears' for a speedy trial and it is nothing but a joke.

Special Judge C.S. Baviskar delivered the verdict while hearing the bail application of accused Maulana Mushfiq Ahmad. The court stated that dragging out the trial has not caused any harm to the accused, but rather the real pain has been borne by the near and dear ones of the victim who are unable to get justice on time.

Court Slams Delays by Accused

The court acknowledged that the accused has a right to a speedy trial and noted that charges have not yet been framed since the chargesheet was filed. However, it clarified that no one else but the 11 accused in the case are responsible for this delay.

According to the court, the trial has been prolonged due to the accused filing bail and discharge petitions one after another and subsequently approaching higher courts.

Background of the Case

Chemists Umesh Kolhe (54) was murdered on June 21, 2022, in Amravati, Maharashtra. He was accused of sharing a social media post in support of suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma.

According to the NIA investigation, the accused Maulana and his associates had created a WhatsApp group named 'Meeting Only' following Nupur Sharma's controversial statement. The NIA alleges that the Maulana is the main mastermind behind the entire conspiracy. He allegedly coordinated with the accused before and after the murder, monitored the entire incident, and provided shelter and money to the attackers to hide after the crime.