India will follow minutely the case of author Sushmita Banerjee who was shot dead in Afghanistan earlier this month. Taking to media in New Delhi today, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said the Governor of Paktiya province had told Indian Ambassador in Afghanistan that Pakistani Taliban were behind the killing.

A renegade Taliban militia, the Suicide Group of the Islamic Movement of Afghanistan, had earlier claimed the responsibility for the murder of 49-year-old Banerjee. The Indian author had written a memoir on her escape from the Taliban in the past.

When asked about the Bangladesh courts handing down capital punishments to Jamat-e- Islami leaders for war crimes, the spokesperson said given the horrific nature of crimes, the aspirations of Bangladeshi people need to be taken into consideration while delivering justice.

On India's role in the next month's elections in Nepal, Mr Akbaruddin said New Delhi will provide logistical support to the Himalayan nation. He said the Nepal government had requested for vehicles to election officials and security services.

About the second phase of Presidential elections in the Maldives scheduled on 28th of this month, the spokesperson said it is of utmost importance that the electoral process is allowed to proceed unhindered. He expressed the hope that elections will be held in a transparent, organised and peaceful manner like the first round. He said India as a long standing friend is committed to strengthening democratic institutions in island nation.