The arrest of the People’s Democratic Party leader, Mr Abdul Nasser Madani, in connection with the Bengaluru serial blasts is likely to be delayed further because of the two-day visit of the President, Ms Pratibha Patil, to Kerala from Thursday.
The Kerala police is worried that a hurried arrest of the PDP leader at this juncture could trigger violent protests and create law and order problems when the attention of the constabulary is focused on the VIP visit.
This has created a bit of tension between the Kerala police and the Karnataka police team that arrived in the state on Tuesday to arrest Mr Madani.
The team has apparently decided to stay back till the arrest is made.
Making good use of the situation, the PDP has shipped in truckloads of its activists to Anwarasserry of Kollam, almost laying siege to the camp of Mr Madani, and vowing not to let him be arrested.
Mr Poonthura Siraj, working chairman of the PDP, also said on Wednesday evening that Mr Madani was suffering from high fever which could be H1N1 infection and sought a medical team to inspect him.
He added that the party workers would not allow Mr Madani to be arrested once the Ramadan fast begins.
The home minister, Mr Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, also hinted that the Karnataka police had rushed in at an inopportune time. “They did not get in touch with the home secretary or the DGP,” he told mediapersons in Thiruvananthapuram, and added that large number of police personnel had been deployed in other areas in connection with the President’s visit.
“However, we will give them whatever assistance they need,” said Mr Balakrishnan. “It is for them to decide when to arrest Mr Madani.”