Stir against Indigo for not allowing Abdul Nasser Madani to travel

KOCHI: Supporters of Kerala-based PDP leader Abdul Nasser Madani, an accused in 2008 Bengaluru blasts case, today staged a protest at nearby Nedumbassery airport after he did not arrive here as scheduled allegedly after a private airline refused to allow him to travel onboard its flight.

Police said they used force to push out the slogan shouting supporters of Madani from the domestic departure area after a section of them allegedly smashed a glass pane at the IndiGo airlines' counter.

Madani, lodged in a Bengaluru prison in connection with the blasts that left one person dead and injured 20 others, has been granted bail to visit his ailing mother in Kollam district and he was to take an IndiGo flight this morning.

According to police, around 500 supporters of Madani gathered outside the terminal to receive him on his arrival.

A section of them turned agitated after reports said that IndiGo refused to allow Madani to board the flight citing "some technical reasons".

Amid the melee, the protesters broke a glass pane of the IndiGo airline's counter located at domestic departure area of the airport, they said.

A police team headed by Aluva Rural SP P N Unnirajan has rushed to the spot to deal with the situation.

They ended their protest after they got an assurance that Madani will reach by air later.

Police said no arrests had been made, but added cases will be registered against those who involved in the violence.

Authorities here said according to their information the airline refused to permit him to board its flight after it was found that necessary requirements for carrying a prisoner escorted by police were not fulfilled.

IndiGo airlines officials here could not be reached for their comments.

Ending their protest, PDP leader Poonthura Siraj claimed the airline has apologised to Madani and his family for causing them 'embarrassment'.