Atheist conference in Kochi halted midway following bomb threat; Man carrying gun arrested near event venue

KOCHI: The atheist conference held by esSENSE, a rationalist platform, was stopped midway following a bomb threat. A man armed with a gun was also in attendance at the event. The event, which started today morning, was continuing at the Kochi Indoor Stadium.

It is reported that Ajeesh, a native of Kadavanthra, intruded on the event with a gun. It was found that Ajeesh had a license for his gun. He is a witness in a murder case, too. According to his statement to the police, Ajeesh said he kept the gun for safety as his life was under threat.

Bangladeshi writer and activist Taslima Nasrin was scheduled to arrive here in the evening to attend the event. Bomb squad and police officers are at the scene conducting an investigation. Hundreds of people have arrived to attend the event.