Thiruvananthapuram: A 30-year-old Sri Lankan national, who did not have valid travel documents, has been taken into custody, police said here on Sunday.

The man, who identified himself as Maluge Juth Selfon Dias, was held from Thampanoor bus terminal in the heart of the city last night, police said.

He told investigators that his bag, carrying passport, visa and other documents, had been stolen during the journey.

However, he did not give any clear answer as to how he had reached the southern state.

"We have informed all investigating agencies about his custody. Now, Intelligence Bureau (IB) officials are interrogating him. Based on the IB report, we will take further action. No case has been registered so far," a police official told PTI.

The man claimed that he had reached Kerala on February 20, the official added.

The custody of the Lankan man assumes significance in the wake of reports about the alleged visit of perpetrators of the recent blasts that had rocked the island nation on Easter day.

The Sri Lanka Army's chief had said in a recent interview that some of the suicide bombers, who carried out the country's worst terror attack on Easter Sunday, visited Kashmir and Kerala for "some sorts of training" or to "make some more links" with other foreign outfits.

Nine suicide bombers, including a woman, carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels on April 21, killing 253 people and injuring over 500.

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Kolkata (PTI): Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar directed the authorities concerned to immediately arrest those involved in post-poll violence and vandalism in West Bengal, an official said on Wednesday.

The Election Commission's directive came after two persons were killed in alleged incidents of post-poll violence in the state on Tuesday, besides scores of party offices being ransacked.

The CEC issued instructions to the West Bengal chief secretary, director general of police, Kolkata police commissioner and directors general of central armed police forces, along with all district magistrates, superintendents of police and other officials, to maintain continuous patrolling in sensitive areas, he said.

"Those responsible for inciting violence and carrying out acts of vandalism must be arrested immediately," the official said, quoting the CEC's instruction.

The chief election commissioner also stressed the need for swift and firm enforcement of the law, he added.

This directive came amid concerns over law and order in parts of the state, with the Election Commission closely monitoring the situation, he added.

"We have been asked to remain on high alert and ensure that any attempt to disturb peace is dealt with firmly," a senior police officer said.

The state authorities have intensified vigil across districts, with coordinated efforts between the police and central forces to prevent any untoward incident, he added.

The assembly elections were held in West Bengal in two phases - April 23 and 29. The counting of votes took place on May 4.

The BJP sealed a landslide victory with 207 seats in the 294-member assembly, ending the TMC's uninterrupted 15-year rule in the state.