Overview
- A division bench of Justices A. S. Gadkari and Shyam C. Chandak on January 20 refused bail to the veterinary doctor accused in the killing of pharmacist Umesh Kolhe.
- The court recorded that Khan shared a screenshot of Kolhe’s pro–Nupur Sharma post with an instigating message across WhatsApp groups to target the victim.
- Judges noted meetings among co-accused where a plan to behead Kolhe was discussed, with 25 calls between Khan and a co-accused cited as signs of his covert involvement.
- Khan’s claim that he only sought a business boycott was rejected at the bail stage, with the court calling the offence grave and finding reasonable grounds that accusations are true.
- The case is prosecuted under IPC and UAPA with NIA involvement, 11 arrests reported, and Khan remains in custody as proceedings continue.