Kerala tense as letter warns of attack during PM Modi's visit

Thiruvananthapuram: The detailed security plan report prepared by the intelligence wing of Kerala police in connection with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kochi and Thiruvnanthpauram on April 24 and 25, reportedly got leaked, triggering major security concerns.

The 49-page report prepared by ADGP intelligence contains minute details of security arrangements, including threat perception from PFI and other outfits, names of officers deployed for PM security, routes in various districts and alternative arrangements. ADGP intelligence T.K. Vinod Kumar has initiated a probe into the leak.

Union minister V. Muraleedharan slammed the Kerala government, alleging major security lapses on the eve of the PM’s visit. He said chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan cannot shy away from his responsibility by terming it an "official lapse".

"Initiate strong action against the officials responsible for the lapse. It is a matter of shame that there are people in power who cannot even keep the security details of the PM confidential. The highly confidential report is being circulated on WhatsApp, which shows the callousness of the home department," he said.

In another major security concern, the state BJP office here received a letter last week threatening a suicide attack during the Prime Minister's visit. BJP state president K. Surendran handed over the letter to the security agencies.

The police found that the letter written in Malayalam was in the name of N. J. Johnny, a native of Ernakulam. During questioning, Johnny said he was innocent. "I was questioned by the police in detail. I have shared all the information with them. They have examined my handwriting and cross-checked it," he told mediapersons.

His family said they suspected another person from the locality was behind the letter. He had an issue with their family in connection with the local church.

The police have decided to carry out a scientific probe into the matter.

The PM is scheduled to address a youth meeting and take part in a road show in Kochi. He will arrive in Kochi on April 24 to attend the youth conference "Yuvam 2023" organised by a BJP-backed organisation. He will take part in a massive road show in Kochi later in the day.

Mr Modi will dedicate the Kochi Water Metro to the nation. It’s a project that connects 10 islands around Kochi through battery-operated electric hybrid boats.

On April 25, the Prime Minister will flag off Kerala's first Vande Bharat Express from Thiruvananthapuram central station.

He will also lay the foundation stone of various rail projects, including the redevelopment of Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Varkala Sivagiri railway
stations and dedicate the rail electrification of the Dindigul-Palani-Palakkad section.

Mr Modi will lay the foundation stone of the Digital Science Park in Thiruvananthapuram.