Amravati Pharmacist Umesh Kolhe Murder Case: Special NIA Court Denies Bail To Mushifique Ahmed, Cites Alleged Role In Conspiracy

Mumbai, October 8, 2026 – A special NIA court has denied bail to Mushifique Ahmed, 47, a Maulvi, in connection with the murder of Amravati pharmacist Umesh Kolhe. The court ruled that Ahmed incited all other accused to commit the offences, promising them a place in paradise. Judge Chakor Baviskar stated that Ahmed, holding a high religious position in the community, played a significant role in instigating and provoking co-accused to plan and execute the murder of Umesh Kolhe, providing logistical support to the alleged assailants.

According to the prosecution, on June 21, 2022, Umesh Kolhe was returning home on his scooter when three men on a bike attacked him and killed him. Ahmed claimed his innocence, stating he was falsely implicated in the offense. The meeting Ahmed organized after Kolhe shared a post supporting a former BJP leader was attended by over 200 people, who claimed it was intended to maintain peace in Amravati.

The prosecution, however, alleged that Ahmed was the mastermind and supervised the entire events, taking information from key accused Irfan and others. They claimed Ahmed had given Rs 10,000 to the actual assailants after the murder to flee Amravati and avoid arrest.

The court reviewed statements from witnesses and other evidence, noting that Ahmed provoked others by speaking provocatively to avenge those who supported a former BJP leader. As a Muslim religious leader, he used his position to fan the flames of radicalized sentiments in the Muslim community in Amravati, inciting other accused against those who showed disrespect towards the Prophet or Islam, warning them that only by teaching a lesson would prestige be maintained.

The court dismissed the defense's argument of trial delay, stating the accused sought to prolong the trial unnecessarily, crying for a speedy trial while creating grounds for lengthy incarceration. The NIA arrested all 11 accused in the case, who remain in prison without bail.