PDP leader Abdul Nasser Madani, accused in the 2008 Bengaluru serial blasts case, reached Kochi on Sunday afternoon to a rousing welcome by party workers and supporters. A team of Karnataka police, including an assistant commissioner and a circle inspector, is accompanying Madani who will travel to his home town of Anwarseeri in Kollam by road from Cochin International Airport.
The PDP leader had sought permission to attend his son's wedding on August 9 and visit his ailing mother.
Speaking to reporters outside the airport, Madani (51) thanked everybody who helped him get his bail condition relaxed. He revealed that he was not in jail in Bengaluru but had got conditional bail three years ago.
“I am not in the Parappana Agrahara jail. Even a few of those who support me think that I am still in jail. I had got bail with condition that I should not move out of Bengaluru city,” Madani said.
While granting permission to Madani to visit Kerala, the Supreme 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 trip.
However, after the apex court intervention, they revised the expenses to Rs 1.18 lakh.
The Kerala government had informed Karnataka that it was ready to provide security to Madani during his visit to the state.
