New Delhi: A man was murdered in Rajasthan’s Udaipur Tuesday, days after he reportedly shared a social media post in support of former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma whose remarks on the Prophet Muhammad led to protests in several parts of the country.
The incident took place in Udaipur’s Maldas street and the deceased — a tailor by profession — has been identified as Kanhaiyalal Teli. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said two accused have been arrested from Rajsamand area of the state.
Purported visuals of the crime were shared on social media where some men can be seen attacking the alleged victim. Two men are also seen claiming responsibility for the crime and threatening Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while brandishing huge knives.
Speaking to ThePrint, Manoj Kumar, superintendent of police (SP), Udaipur, said, “There was a spat between the accused and the victim on social media over certain inflammatory posts. Today, the accused went to his shop and killed him. It was a planned murder.”
“A heinous murder has been committed and a thorough investigation will be conducted into the incident. Few accused have been identified. Police teams were constituted to locate the accused. We will take action on the video of men claiming to have committed the act,” the SP told mediapersons.
CM Gehlot also said strict action will be taken against the accused.
“I condemn the heinous murder of a youth in Udaipur. Strict action will be taken against the criminals involved in this incident. I appeal to everyone to maintain peace and not share the video of the act,” he said.
Tara Chand Meena, collector of Udaipur, appealed to people to maintain law and order in the state. “The affected family will be provided help from the government. Stringent action will be taken against the accused,” Meena said.
“I have spoken to the chief minister, the superintendent of police and asked that arrests be made as soon as possible so the anger simmers down,” said Opposition leader Gulab Chand Kataria.
“The most brutal killing of Teli at the hands of two radicals…puts our heads in shame. Furthermore, their open admission of committing the crime and taking pride in doing so shakes the human conscience to the core. How can a person reach such a level of cruelty and inhumanity?” said Khwaja Iftikhar Ahmed, president of New Delhi-based Inter Faith Harmony Foundation of India, in a statement.
“This is most shameful and inhuman act committed in the name of Prophet of Islam who is known for his mercy. It is not only condemnable but is absolutely unpardonable too. We are a civilised society where there is no room for such an ugly face of criminality. It is time to jointly fight this menace. Let us stay together to defeat the malicious designs of anti-India forces. Any communal flare up would serve none but the enemy,” Ahmed added.
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