PDP chief Maudany arrested in Bangalore blast case

ANWARASSERY - People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Abdul Nazir Maudany was Tuesday arrested for his alleged involvement in the 2008 Bangalore bombings.

Just as Maudany was leaving his residence-cum-party headquarters here to surrender at the court, a contingent of Karnataka and Kerala police arrived and took him into custody.

Karnataka police official Omkarayyah has executed the warrant, said Kollam Superintendent of Police Harssita Ataloori.

A Bangalore court June 15 issued an arrest warrant against Maudany. The warrant has been extended four times and Tuesday was the last date for Karnataka Police to bring him before the court.

Maudany, the 31st accused in the Bangalore bomb blast case, has denied his involvement in the bombing in which one person was killed and 15 injured.

Earlier, an emotionally charged Maudany told reporters that it was a “conspiracy hatched politically”. He reiterated that he was innocent.

“I don’t think I will return from Karnataka,” Maudany said.

“You now wait and see. Once I am there in Karnataka, you should not be surprised if my name features in a case in Gujarat or even the Mumbai bomb blasts and even in the World Trade Centre blast,” he said.

He also thanked the state government for showing “mature behaviour by not barging into the orphanage” he has set up in his residence.

Meanwhile, a strong police force has been posted outside the Karunagapally First Class Court near here where he is being taken.