Azad Maidan riot: One of rally organisers arrested

Mumbai, Dec 3 (IANS) One of the organisers of the Aug 11 protest march at Azad Maidan, which later turned violent, has been arrested, police said Monday.

“Ahmed Raza of NGO Madina Tul-Ilm has been arrested Monday,” said Senior Police Inspector of Crime Branch Ramesh Mahale.

Raza’s name also mentioned as one of the 57 accused in the charge sheet that was filed against the rioters last month.

His arrest came after he was called in for questioning by the Crime Branch Monday. He will be produced in the court on Tuesday.

Raza is one of the organisers who organised the a rally to protest violence against Muslims in Assam and Myanmar at south Mumbai’s Azad Maidan.

So far, police has arrested 64 people in the case out of which five people were released after they were found innocent, while 45 were granted bail.

“Raza will also be charged with the same sections as other accused,” another official said.

According to police sources, while seeking permission, Raza had claimed that the event would be peaceful and there would only be 1,000 participants. However, there were over 50,000 participants who flouted law and order norms.

All accused have been booked under Indian Penal Code sections pertaining to murder, attempt to murder, molestation, physical attacks on police and public, damage to public and private properties, theft of government weapons, unlawful assembly and other charges.

IANS 2012-12-03 22:26:12