E-mail threat to PM

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 27 (UNI) Police today swung into action after some top officials in Kerala received an email containing a threat to the life of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his scheduled visit to the state capital on November one.

Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence) Jacob Punnose told UNI that the email message originated in Kochi.

Asked whether the email contained a threat to the life of the Prime Minister, he said, 'Whenever we receive such email involving the name of VIPs, we take the matter very seriously.' Adequate security measures had been taken in view of the development, he said.

Asked if the threat was serious in nature, the ADGP said police would look into all aspects.

According to police sources, about 20 officials, including the Director General of Police and the Home Secretary, received the email message. The owner of a Kochi-based internet cafe was interrogated by police in this connection.

The sources said details of the messages can not be disclosed at the moment as investigation is going on.

Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan held a meeting with top police officials here this morning to take stock of the situation.

UNI CR/CGV MIR SND1245