Raj simmers: 2 key suspects to be in custody till July 13
It’s a terror gang, not terrorist group: NIA
■ STONES WERE pelted on a protest march organised by various right-wing organisations, who were waving saffron flags and seeking justice for Teli despite curfew orders
Riyaz Akhtari and Ghouse Mohammad, the two main accused in the brutal beheading of tailor Kanhaiya Lal Teli in Udaipur, were sent to judicial custody till July 13 by a local court on Thursday. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials, who are questioning both the accused in Rajasthan, believe there may be many more members in the group of the accused.
A 10-member NIA team is investigating the case under the supervision of an inspector general and a deputy inspector general rank officers. They are assisted by Rajasthan police. The NIA’s preliminary inquiry indicates that there may not be any terrorist group involved in the murder, but the killing could be the handiwork of a terror gang.
“Some media reports about the links of the two accused with some terrorist outfits are based on speculation,” said an NIA official.
Ever since Teli was brutally murdered by two men in Udaipur on Tuesday, Rajasthan remained on edge for the third consecutive day on Thursday. Stones were pelted on a protest march organised by various right-wing organisations, who were waving saffron flags and seeking justice for Teli despite curfew orders. However, the situation was controlled quickly by the Rajasthan police.
Chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday met with the family members of the victim. Apart from financial assistance, the CM promised a government job to the son of Teli. The family of Teli has sought police protection after the incident. “We have demanded security. My father was not provided security, but we should be provided. We have been assured of the same. The culprits should not be given anything less than a death sentence,” said Yash, son
of Teli. “The whole country was shaken by what happened in Udaipur. This is a heinous crime, with no forgiveness. Police did good work and nabbed them quickly. It’s a matter of terror. Everyone is enraged. We are appealing for peace to be maintained. Our police did a good job; they arrested the accused and found international links, which is why the NIA came into the picture. We will appeal to take this case via fast track. We want NIA to be timebound and punish the guilty within a month.
We will cooperate with them,” Mr Gehlot said.
The chief minister had called an all party meeting to discuss the fragile law and order situation that has arisen due to the brutal beheading.
“The Congress, BJP, RLP, CPI, independents, farmer leaders — everyone participated in the all-party meet. Everyone was of the opinion that everyone should tackle this barbaric act, this act of terrorism together and the accused be given the strictest punishment. Everyone agreed that links of such antisocial elements, who execute barbaric acts in collusion with foreign powers, be probed by the NIA,” said Rajendra Singh Yadav, a minister in the Gehlot’s cabinet.
Meanwhile, the bar association of Udaipur said no lawyer will represent the two accused in court.
“We want the accused to be hanged. No lawyer would represent them. Their act is not normal, is an act of terrorism. They are trying to spread terror not just in society but to the PM himself,” said Girija Shankar Mehta, president of the Bar Association, Udaipur.