Mumbai, Aug 24 (PTI) : Mumbai police on Saturday arrested the third accused in connection with the gang rape of 23-year-old photojournalist, as hunt for the other two absconding accused continued for the second day amid a massive public outrage.

The third accused, identified as Siraj Rehman, about 25-years-old, was nabbed from Mumbra area late in the evening, police sources said.

He is likely to be produced before a magistrate on Sunday.

Earlier, Vijay Jadhav was arrested in the wee hours from Madanpura area by the elite Crime Branch personnel, who too have been engaged in the search for the culprits.

“The probe is heading in the right direction and we hope to arrest all other absconding accused soon,” city Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh said.

He said the investigators had gathered “all the evidence against the accused and we will file a comprehensive charge sheet soon.”

Jadhav and Chand Babu Sattar Shaikh alias Mohammed Abdul, who was arrested on Friday, were produced before the Bhoiwada holiday court at Dadar which remanded them in police custody till August 30.

There were protests outside the court premises by Shiv Sainiks and BJP activists who shouted slogans against the accused.

Several women’s organisations took out a march against the brutal gang rape at N.M. Joshi Marg police station.

Victim's condition improves

Meanwhile, the hospital where the victim is undergoing treatment has said her condition was improving.

“The patient’s condition is much better today. However, we are monitoring her health from all aspects of care,” said a statement issued by Dr Tarang Gianchandani, acting CEO and Director, Medical Services, of Jaslok Hospital.

Lending a sense of urgency to the investigation and ongoing pursuit of other accused who are on the run, Home Minister R R Patil visited N.M. Joshi Marg police station around 2.30 am.

According to police sources, he inquired about the status of the probe and also interacted with the two arrested accused, questioning them about their role in the incident.