New Delhi, Jul 17 (IANS): A court on Friday rejected the bail application filed by a man accused of the murder of a 32-year-old auto driver during the violence in the northeast Delhi in February.

Sabuddin and several others are accused of murder of auto driver Babbu of Shri Ram colony in Khajuri Khas area, during the riots. Three other accused are out on bail.

According to the FIR registered on the complaint of the deceased's brother, Babbu was on his way when his vehicle came to a halt near the Khajuri roundabout where rioters had assembled and were pelting stones on February 25.

"He suffered injuries during the riots and was rushed to Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital and later referred to GTB Hospital where he took his last breath on February 27," the FIR stated.

The accused have been booked for rioting, unlawful assembly and murder under the Indian Penal Code.

Additional Session Judge Vinod Yadav observed: "Considering the seriousness of the case and the ranging impact of riots on public and private persons, as well as damage to property, I do not deem it appropriate to admit the application of bail in the matter."

"The bail application stands dismissed in the case," the court said after noting that the case pertains to the murder of an innocent man by the unruly mob.

The court agreed with the contentions of Special Public Prosecutor Naresh Kumar Gaur that if released on bail, the accused might try to threaten the witness as the latter resides in the same area.

Advocate M.M. Hashmi, representing Sabuddin, however told the court that his client is entitled for bail on the grounds of parity, as the co-accused are out on bail.

"It is argued that the applicant has clear past antecedents, nothing has been recovered at his instance and police never sought his police custody remand. The investigation in the matter is complete and the applicant is no more required for custodial interrogation," he argued.