Kannur, Aug 9
Police arrested Arjun Ayanki, an accused in several criminal cases, from Kannur early on Sunday, ending a days-long manhunt that had extended across Kerala and neighbouring states.
Ayanki was taken into custody around 2 am from the residence of a woman lawyer, where he was allegedly hiding. A special police team headed by the North Zone DIG carried out the operation after investigators received information about his whereabouts.
Police had stepped up efforts to trace Ayanki after the Kerala High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea in cases registered over alleged threats and abusive remarks against police officers and investigating officials. The cases relate to incidents under the Kothamangalam and Oonnukal police station limits.
According to investigators, Ayanki went into hiding but remained active on social media, where he allegedly continued posting messages targeting police officers and the State Home Department. He is also an accused in several other criminal cases, including the Karipur gold smuggling case.
A major breakthrough in the search came on Saturday when police recovered a car allegedly used by Ayanki while he was evading arrest. The vehicle was found abandoned at Panankavu in Kannur, strengthening investigators’ suspicion that he remained somewhere in the district.
Police subsequently intensified surveillance and conducted searches at suspected hideouts. Teams had also been looking for him at various locations outside Kerala.
Investigators suspect Ayanki frequently changed vehicles during his movements and used his mobile phone in ways intended to mislead police about his location. His continued social media activity while underground was also closely monitored as part of the operation.
Information gathered during the intensified surveillance eventually led the special team to the Kannur residence where he was allegedly staying.
Following his detention, Ayanki’s arrest was formally recorded in connection with an FIR registered at Kannur Town Police Station. Further investigation into the cases against him is under way.
