Nasir met Madani ahead of B'lore blasts: Report

The probe into the Bangalore serial blasts has taken a controversial turn with the name of Abdul Nasser Madani, a powerful leader from Kerala, cropping up.

As he was being brought out of a court in Kerala, T Nasir -- one of the accused in the Bangalore serial blasts -- told a media person that he had no links with Madani. Following his statement, the Kerala cops came under severe criticism for letting the suspect talk to the media despite knowing the sensitive nature of the case.

Ironically, Nasir's interrogation report -- which is in possession of rediff.com -- talks in length about Madani's involvement in the Bangalore serial blasts case.

The Bangalore Police are, however, unperturbed by Nasir's change of stand.

We have the investigation report, which he himself has signed, Bangalore cops say, adding that Nasir has stated very clearly that he had met Madani at Suntikoppa in Karnataka where the serial blasts were being planned.

Nasir also says that he had discussed the blasts with Madani and that after the blasts, he had met the People's Democratic Party leader in Kerala. It was on the basis of this statement that the Bangalore Police booked Madani for waging a war against the State and for conspiracy.

Madani's legal team, which keeps frequenting Bangalore seeking anticipatory bail for their client, is confident that they would get him out scot-free. One of the members of his team said that charges may be framed, but it is difficult to prove the same since their client is innocent.

Meanwhile, the Bangalore Police are in discussion as how to execute the warrant against Madani. The last time they tried to execute the warrant, Madani clearly told them that they could not pick him up just because one person had given a statement against him.

Madani also said that he was a political leader and a public figure, and on account of this several people meet him. Nasir may have also been one among them.

A source in the Bangalore Police says that Madani's house in Kerala is guarded like a fortress. He has thousands of supporters always on guard, waiting to create trouble in case their leader is picked up.