Arjun Ayanki arrested after dramatic early-morning raid; court orders 14-day remand

KANNUR: Police have arrested Arjun Ayanki, who had repeatedly challenged the police and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala while in hiding. Ayanki (29), of Ayanki House in Kovalodi, Azhikode, was arrested around 2.30 am on Sunday after police surrounded a lawyer's apartment at Thalikavu in Kannur. The arrest is also being seen as a political victory for the government.

Although Ayanki claims that he has no links with the party, he was once a prominent figure in the CPM's political activities in Kannur. During a period of intense factionalism among CPM leaders in the district, he was considered the brains behind the social media groups PJ Army and later Red Army.

The latest arrest was made in connection with a case for allegedly threatening Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala. The Thalassery Chief Judicial Magistrate Court remanded him in custody for 14 days. After his arrest, Ayanki was taken for a medical examination and then brought to Kannur Town Police Station. A search of his belongings led to the seizure of an iPhone 16 Pro. He was later taken to the Kannur City Cyber Crime Police Station, where he was questioned and his statement was recorded.

Ayanki had posted a message challenging Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala to order a reinvestigation into a case in which Kothamangalam police had allegedly kept him in jail for 21 days for planning a crime at a resort. He also demanded action against the sub-inspector concerned if a reinvestigation was not ordered. Police accused him of defaming the Home Minister and making provocative statements that could disturb public peace.

Got caught after taking an autorickshaw

The police got a major lead after Ayanki took an autorickshaw from in front of a bar hotel at Chiravakku near the Taliparamba bus stand on Saturday afternoon. He got down at Chudala, about four kilometres away. He then took the autorickshaw driver's phone and called a friend, asking him to come with a car. The autorickshaw driver later informed the Taliparamba Circle Inspector about the incident. Police soon identified the friend as Jithin and took him into custody. During questioning, he revealed that Ayanki was staying at a lawyer's apartment in Thalikavu, Kannur.

Police action plan

The two-storey apartment was placed under surveillance around 3.30 pm. An action plan was prepared under the leadership of DIG K. Karthik. A total of 42 teams were deployed for coordination and the operation. The Town Police and the special squad formed to trace Ayanki were given responsibility for the operation.

Police chose 2 am as the time to launch the operation when the city was asleep. Armed police surrounded the apartment. Hearing the noise, Ayanki jumped out through the back door, only to find police waiting outside. He tried to escape but was caught.

Rs 1 lakh reward for autorickshaw driver

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said a private individual would give a reward of Rs 1 lakh to the autorickshaw driver from Payyanur who helped police arrest Ayanki. He said the person had contacted him over the phone and expressed his willingness to provide the reward. Chennithala said he would personally hand over the money to the autorickshaw driver.

"No goon who challenges the people will have a place in Kerala. This will be the fate of anyone who challenges the system. Goon lists at all police stations will be closely monitored."
-Ramesh Chennithala, Home Minister