Lebanon explosions: Indian cops verify background of Kerala-born man linked to blasts

Police in the Indian state of Kerala have confirmed a background check on the family of Rinson Jose, who has been linked to the recent pager and walkie-talkieexplosions in Lebanon, a report by the news agency PTI on Sunday (Sep22) said.

Jose is a 39-year-old entrepreneur and a Norwegian citizen. Jose migrated to Norway from Kerala's Wayanad. He currently lives inOslo.A report by The Indian Express said that Jose is the ownerof Norta Global Limited, a Bulgarian shell company allegedly involved in supplying pagers to Hezbollah.

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It was earlier reported that the man was under investigation.

'There is no case or probe'

Speaking to PTI, the police said that there was no case or investigation about Jose. "Our special branch officials have carried out a background check. There is nothing new in it; such checks are conducted whenever similar news reports emerge."

The police added that a precautionary patrol had been launched in the area near Wayanad'sMananthavady, where Jose's family resides. The police also said that the man's family did not request police protection.

Rinson last visited Kerala in November of last year and left in January.

BJP leader calls for protection of Jose, his kin

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, G Varier, called for protection for Rinson and his family. In a post on Facebook, Varier said, "He is the son of our nation. He is a Malayali. At any cost, we must provide protection to Rinson and his family."

A relative of Jose said that he learnt about the incidentthrough the media, PTI reported.

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The relative, identified as Jose's uncle, said, "He grew up here in Wayanad and studied both here and outside Kerala. After completing his MBA, he left India 10 years ago. He had been studying abroad before joining a company. As far as we know, he is currently working for a company in Norway."

"We are not sure whether he runs his own business in Norway. His wife also works in Norway," the uncle said. The man pointed out that his nephew called himtwo or three days before the news reports about him emerged.

"We are 100 per cent certain that he would not commit any wrongdoing," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)