The Taliban publicly denied responsibility for killing Indian writer Sushmita Banerjee, who published a successful memoir about her escape from the group in 1994, according to Outlook India.
Banerjee, 49, was shot to death outside her home in Kharana. Police officials said they believe Taliban militants were responsible for her death, possibly as revenge for leaving the Taliban.
"Our investigation... Indicates that the militants had grievances against her for something she had written or said in the past," said provincial police chief Dawlat Khan Zadran.
However, a Taliban spokesman made a statement on Friday denying responsibility.
"We reject claims that mujahideen were involved in the killing of the Indian woman. It is a propaganda by government officials to defame the mujahideen," said spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid.
The successful author published "Kabuliwalar Bengali Bou" ("A Kabuliwala's Bengali Wife"), which documented her dramatic escape in 1995 and became a bestseller in India. It was also made into a Bollywood movie, "Escape From Taliban," in 2003.
Outlook India reported that the Taliban is reluctant to claim responsibility for the killing of women.
Sanjana Roy Choudhury, a publisher at Hay House India, remembered Banerjee as courageous.
"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."
Banerjee had recently moved back to Afghanistan with her husband, Jaanbaz Khan. According to a police official, she was employed as a health worker and was currently filming the lives of women in the area for work. Banerjee was also going by the name Sayed Kamala.
