Madani arrested in connection with 2008 Bangalore blasts case

http://forums.bizhat.com/attachment....1&d=1282033993Kollam, Kerala: Kerala PDP leader Abdul Nasar Madani has been arrested in connection with the Bangalore blast case.

Shortly after his arrest, Madani was whisked away to an undisclosed location by the Bangalore police who had been camping outside Madani's Kollam residence since an arrest warrant was issued against him.

Reports suggest that the PDP leader will be taken to Bangalore after the Kerala court issues a transit remand.

There was high drama outside Madani's residence as a large crowd of teary-eyed supporters gathered to bid their leader an emotional farewell, Madani left his residence shortly after mid-day prayers to surrender before a local magistrate court.



Addressing the media, Madani reiterated that he was being falsely implicated in the case as part of a deep-rooted conspiracy He said he chose to surrender in the court as he had faith in judiciary and also he could get whatever he wanted to say recorded.

"I have not got any warrant in connection with the Bangalore blast. When I read about warrant in papers, I spoke to my lawyers. This is a conspiracy against me. I approached the court for bail as it is the right of every citizen," said Madani.

Appealing for calm, Madani asked party workers to protest through democratic means and said he will surrender before the court after the afternoon prayers.

"I don't believe I can return alive from Karnataka. I may be implicated in many other terror cases. I am suffering from a host of diseases but will surrender. If they arrest me in between, let them do," he said.

A team of the Bangalore Police reached the Magistrate Court near Madani's residence on Tuesday even as the PDP leader's supporters said his health had worsened and he will not be able to travel to Bangalore.

There is massive mobilisation of police at Madani's Kollam residence. PDP supporters have been camping at their leader's residence protesting for the last week that the Bangalore police have been trying to secure Madani's arrest.

"My residence is an orphanage built on people's contribution. This place is now under siege. Don't vitiate the sanctity of this place, said Madani.

The Bangalore police have been in Kerala waiting to arrest Madani in the 2008 Bangalore blasts case ever since a Karnataka court denied him bail. The Kerala police have been treading cautiously to avoid a law and order problem. (With PTI inputs)