Guwahati: Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said that preliminary evidence indicated the horrifying murder of the tailor in Udaipur was committed to foment terrorism and that the two suspects have connections abroad.
The CM’s response was warranted after the incident aroused uproar in the state and around the nation.
According to CM Gehlot, a high-level conference was conducted today to discuss the occurrence, and a case has been opened under the strict anti-terror law known as the unlawful activities (prevention) act.
In a tweet in Hindi, the Rajasthan CM said, “…further investigation will be done by the NIA (National Investigation Agency) in which Rajasthan ATS (Anti-Terrorism Squad) will fully cooperate. The police and administration should ensure law and order in the entire state and take strict action against those trying to create a nuisance.”
The incident caused racial tensions to flare up in Udaipur and the chief minister also pleaded for the preservation of harmony.
It may be noted that the murderers, Ghos Mohammad and Riyaz Akhtar, entered Kanhaiya Lal’s store and beat the victim with a sharp object. They beheaded him while filming the act, which they then shared on social media while ostensibly celebrating the murder.
The two have already been taken into custody by the police.
According to reports, the victim reported receiving death threats because of a social media post he made in support of Nupur Sharma, a former BJP spokeswoman whose remarks on Prophet Muhammad had resulted in protests in India and censure from Gulf countries.
The deceased man’s wife claimed that following the threats, he had been avoiding coming to his shop. He had gone to the business yesterday after a week and was killed, she added.
Meanwhile, the murder is currently being investigated as a terrorist attack. Large gatherings are now prohibited after Section 144 was implemented throughout the state for one-month. Internet services have also been suspended for 24 hours.
The national investigation agency (NIA) has been given the go-ahead to assume charge of the case investigation, according to the Union ministry.