Arjun Ayanki arrested in Kannur after two-day police search

Arjun Ayanki, a man accused in multiple criminal cases, was arrested by police in Kannur on Sunday after an intensive search that lasted more than two days. He was taken into custody from an apartment in Kannur city, where he was reportedly hiding.

According to police, Ayanki attempted to flee when a team led by the Northern Range Deputy Inspector General reached the apartment. He was apprehended at about 2:30 a.m. Another person, believed to be his friend, was present at the location. The police acted on a tip-off from an auto-rickshaw driver.

The search had been intensified after Ayanki allegedly posted threatening messages against police officers on social media following his release on bail. The Kerala High Court had earlier rejected his anticipatory bail plea in a related case.

Ayanki and his associates had been detained previously on suspicion of gathering near Kothamangalam for criminal activities. After securing bail, he allegedly posted threatening and abusive content targeting the inspector who led that raid and the Station House Officer of Oonnukal.

Following his arrest, he was taken to Kannur District Hospital for a medical examination and later to the Kannur Town police station. He is likely to be shifted to Ernakulam after the formal registration of his arrest in Kannur. Further action will be based on directions from the Additional Director General of Police in charge of law and order.

Ayanki, a native of Kappakkadavu in Azhikode, began his political activities as a DYFI unit secretary and later became a CPI(M) cyber activist on social media, known for aggressive criticism of political opponents. His name, however, later became associated with alleged organised criminal activities.

He came to be known in connection with the Karipur gold smuggling case and was allegedly involved in gangs that intercepted and robbed smuggled gold transported from airports. He is also an accused in the Ramnattukara gold-smuggling-related incident in which five people were killed.

Other cases against him include an alleged attempt to run over members of a gold smuggling gang with a vehicle, as well as cases registered by the Customs Department in connection with gold smuggling.

Following reports of his alleged criminal links, the DYFI expelled him from the organisation. CPI(M) leaders have repeatedly maintained that the party has no association with cyber or quotation gangs.