Ready to provide security to Madani: Kerala CM to Karnataka

The Kerala government today informed Karnataka that it was ready to provide security to People's Democratic Party leader Abdul Nasser Madani, jailed in connection with Bengaluru blast case, during his visit to the state.

Madani (51), an under-trial lodged in Bengaluru prison in connection with the 2008 serial blasts case, has been permitted by the NIA Court to visit his parents in Kerala.

The Supreme Court permitted him to attend the wedding of his son on August 9 at Thalassery in Kannur district.

While granting permission to Madani to visit Kerala to attend his son's wedding, the apex court had on July 31 asked him to bear the expenses incurred on his escort provided by the Karnataka police.

PDP leader's visit ran into trouble after Karnataka police sought Rs 14.79 lakh towards security expenses during his visit to Kerala.

State Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a letter to his Karnataka counterpart Siddaramaiah, informed Kerala's readiness to provide security to Madani and asked to reduce the amount sought for security expenses to a reasonable and affordable amount.

"My apprehension is that seeking such a huge amount is a covert move to prevent Madani from visiting the state," Vijayan said in the letter.

Madani had visited Kerala on three previous occasions between 2013-16.

During the first two visits, no amount was insisted and in the third visit, Rs 50,000 was required to be paid.

"The amount now demanded was exorbitant and it is equal to denying justice to Madani," Vijayan said in his letter.

PDP state leaders had brought the issue to the notice of the chief minister today.

Opposition leader in the state assembly Ramesh Chennithala also asked the chief minister to pave the way for the visit of Madani by ensuring security to him.