Letter bombs: youth arrested

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 2 (UNI) Police arrested a 29-year-old youth for sending 'letter bombs', which created panic on the day of President A P J Abdul Kalam's visit to the state last month.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which inquired into the explosions here, arrested Rajeev alias Sharma, 29, from Kazhakutam last night, Director General of Police Raman Srivastava told media.

He said as of now, Rajeev, son of a retired military officer, was the only person involved in sending the six 'letter bombs' addressed to different persons. The motive was personal enmity against the six.

The SIT had enough evidence against Rajeev, who had a diploma in engineering, he said, adding, the explosive materials used were not enough to cause lethal damage.

Asked about letters sent to the City Police Commissioner and another official, he said those were just warnings. About the threat to religious institutions and other places in the letter, he said it was an attempt to divert attention.

On the day chosen for the blasts, the DGP said Rajeev was not aware of the President's visit and it was a coincidence.

Asked about the arrest of one Mauseen for possessing a live cartridge soon after the 'letter bomb' explosions, Mr Srivastava said the youth was among several being interrogated. He had been arrested for illegal possession of arms.

On the day of the President's visit to the state on September 21, two 'letter bombs' exploded and two others were defused at a post office. The first exploded at Manacaud post office in the heart of the capital when letters were being sorted. The other exploded in the hands of a trader at Kesavadasapuram, to whom it was addressed.

Two letter bombs were traced at the post office in Kerala University Campus at Kariavattom. They were defused.

Rajeev would be produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate today.

UNI PN AJ VD PM1622