Kerala police arrest man who wrote threat letter ahead of PM Modi's visit

Kochi resident Xavier, who runs a business in the city, was arrested by police for allegedly writing the threatening letter in the name of another person

A Kochi resident was held by the police on Sunday in connection with a letter raising a suicide bomb attack threat to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Kerala visit on April 24 and 25.

The letter was received by BJP state president K Surendran at the party state office in Thiruvananthapuram last week.

Xavier of Kathrikadavu in Kochi was held after a scientific examination of handwriting confirmed that he had written the threatening letter. He had mentioned the name of another Kochi resident, Johnny, in the letter with the intention of causing trouble to the latter, owing to some personal issues.

Meanwhile, the police launched a probe to find how a communication of ADGP (Intelligence) to the police officials regarding security arrangements for the Prime Minister was leaked out.

Action is likely to be taken against those concerned as central agencies have also taken serious note of leakage of the confidential communication.

The state police took the threat seriously as it was Modi's first visit to Kerala after banning Popular Front of India.