The delay in arresting Madani has raised many questions

Aug 16, 2010


Kollam: Karnataka and Kerala are involved in a bitter war of words over People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Abdul Nasser Madani, the accused in the 2008 Bangalore serial bombings.


Karnataka Home Minister VS Acharya said that Kerala had not been cooperating on Madani's arrest. On the other hand Kerala claims that state has been extending all help to Karnataka Police team that is in Kollam to arrest Madani.


"We are requesting the Kerala government. Things are not happening. If the cooperation is not coming we will have to think of some other option," said Karnataka Home Minister VS Acharya.


"Cooperation between two states is important. I spoke to the Kerala Home Minister on 13th morning. We were assured all possible help but we have not received any help," added Acharya.


Kerala Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan told CNN-IBN that Madani is not too unwell to face arrest. Madani has been complaining of fever and was checked by a team of doctors including cardiologists.


"Acharya's opinion is based on misunderstanding. There is no misunderstanding between Kerala and Karnataka governments. The DGP's of both the states have spoken to each other (regarding Madani's arrest)," said Balakrishnan.


"I had a talk with Karnataka Home Minister and clarified our stand. There were media reports that Madani will be going to hospital hence there was misunderstanding. Kerala DGP has clarified the stand to Karnataka DGP. We will extend all possible help to Karnataka Police," he said.


Balakrishnan also said his government has been extending all cooperation and it is for the Karnataka Police to decide when they want to arrest Madani. Balakrishnan says his government is ready to face any repercussions that can result from Madani's arrest.


"Karnataka Police should decide whether he should be arrested or surrender. Whatever help Karnataka Police need will be extended to them. There will be no repercussion if Madani is arrested. If there are any repercussions we are ready to face it," he added.


Madani has been evading arrest claiming he was unwell and has also claimed that he has not been served any arrest warrant.


"No warrant has been served on me. I have come to know that some notice has been pasted on the outer walls of my residence. I respect the courts, I will surrender before the court. If the police want to come inside and check they are most welcome," said Madani.


Doctors were called to treat Madani at his Kollam residence after he complained of fever. Medical teams with mobile ICU units reached his residence amidst tight security. Madani's cardiologist Dr Gopalkrishna Bhatt said that his condition was stable and they were awaiting blood test reports


"His condition is stable. We are waiting for the blood reports," said Dr Bhatt.


The medical bulletin claimed that Madani has had a history of fever and bleeding from nose.


After the anticipated arrest of the Madani hundreds of PDP workers had gathered outside his residence. Madani had said that he would surrender soon but following reports of his ill health, his arrest looks unlikely for now.


A team of Karnataka Police officials are in Kollam waiting to arrest the Bangalore blast accused. The police officers are seeking co-operation of Kerala Police in executing the arrest order of the Bangalore court.


Sources say that there is a possibility that Madani might be taken to the hospital from where he might surrender or be arrested.


The delay in arresting Madani has raised many questions

Is the Left government in Kerala trying to shield Madani to derive political mileage? Is the Left government creating ground for Madani to surrender and avoid an arrest?