Court rejects bail applications of Azad Maidan rioters

The sessions court on Friday rejected bail applications filed by the five accused arrested in connection with the August 11 Azad Maidan violence, observing that there is a prima facie case against them and the investigation is at a crucial stage.

The court also observed that time is required for completing the investigation and therefore granting bail to the accused may hamper the probe.

Taking into account CCTV footages and statements of witnesses recorded by the police, the court observed that the evidence produced by the crime branch showed their involvement.

Meanwhile, the esplanade magistrate court on Friday transferred the custody of one of the minors arrested on Wednesday to the juvenile court.

Two youths were killed and 52, including 44 policemen, were injured on August 11, when a rally called to protest alleged atrocities on Muslims in Assam and Myanmar turned violent.

Protesters went on a rampage attacking the police, including some women constables, torching media and police vehicles, as well as smashing cameras of photo-journalists and damaging buses.

Among the arrested accused include two "most wanted" rioters, who had vandalised the iconic Amar Jawan memorial on the fateful day.