Azad was wanted by police in two cases

Azad, the youngster who was picked up from ‘C’ hostel of Osmania University campus on Thursday, was wanted by the police in two cases.

One was registered in September last year in connection with burning of poclain in Mulugu.

The second was booked nearly three months ago when another such machine was set afire again in Mulugu. Police identified three persons involved in the two cases. A week ago, two persons — a post-graduate student and a suspected Maoist militant — were arrested in connection with the second case.

Azad, police sources maintain, was identified as the third accused in the case and picked up on a tip-off that he was taking shelter there. Warangal police officials said they had only detained Azad for interrogation but didn’t arrest him.

Meanwhile, mild tension prevailed near OU police station when a group of students led by Kota Srinivas of TVV staged a demonstration protesting the ‘arrest’ of Azad. “Telangana Government and police would be held responsible if any harm is caused to Azad,” the protestors said.

They urged the Government to immediately release Azad. The demonstrators were taken into preventive custody when reports last came in.