The Afghan Taliban has reportedly denied any involvement in the killing of Indian writer Sushmita Banerjee.
Banerjee, 49, was allegedly dragged out of her house in Afghanistan's eastern Paktika province and killed by masked gunmen and Afghan officials have blamed the Taliban for her murder.
According to the Express Tribune, police suggest that Banerjee's personal account of her escape from the militia group two decades ago in her book that was later turned into a hit film might have been the reason she was murdered.
Provincial police chief, Dawlat Khan Zadran said that investigation indicated the militants had grievances against Banerjee for something she had written or said in the past.
However, Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid has denied any involvement in the killing and said that it is a propaganda by government officials to defame the mujahideen.
The report said that Banerjee was married to local businessperson Jaanbaz Khan and had recently moved back to live with him in Paktika, to run a health clinic for women there.
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Roy Choudhury, a publisher from Hay House India said that Banerjee was courageous and in trying to live a life with her husband there, this is the price she paid. It's a brave voice that's been quietened.
While, Bengali writer Samaresh Majumdar said that Banerjee had risked her life by returning to Afghanistan, which was akin to committing suicide.