Riot accused in Mumbai gets interim protection

MUMBAI: A sessions court at Dindoshi has granted interim protection till April 6 to businessman Jamil Merchant, in connection with a rioting FIR registered by Malwani police following commotion at a Ram Navami procession.

Merchant approached the court for anticipatory bail after the police arrested 20 people in the case.

As per Merchant's application, he was in his office on March 30 when police approached him saying that a Ram Navami procession was to pass on the adjacent road and crowd had gathered opposite Hazrat Ali mosque. Police reportedly sought his help. As per his application, police said they would divert the crowd to his office building, and he must help in containing them. He claimed to have heeded to the request, but found his name in the FIR. Police have opposed the plea.