Police hold Arjun Ayanki's brother in Thrissur as manhunt for fugitive widens
In a significant development in the ongoing search for absconding history-sheeter Arjun Ayanki, police on Friday took his brother Akhil into custody from Thekkinkadu Maidan in Thrissur. The arrest comes as part of intensified efforts to trace the fugitive, who is wanted in connection with a threat case against a senior police officer.
According to officials, Akhil was traced using mobile tower location data and was detained for questioning. Police have since ramped up search operations across Thrissur city, with personnel inspecting vehicles at checkpoints and monitoring key routes to track Arjun's movements. The detained brother is believed to have knowledge of Arjun's whereabouts, though authorities have not confirmed any charges against him at this stage.
Investigators have also recovered CCTV footage that shows Arjun's car crossing the Paliyekkara toll plaza in Thrissur district. Based on the evidence, police suspect that Arjun may have switched vehicles in the region to evade surveillance and escape the dragnet. The search has been extended to multiple districts, with special teams deployed to coordinate the operation.
Earlier, a police team led by the Muvattupuzha Deputy Superintendent of Police arrested two individuals from Kannur on charges of aiding Arjun's escape. The duo allegedly provided shelter and logistical support to the fugitive, enabling him to remain in hiding. Their arrests have provided crucial leads, and investigators are now examining their phone records and associates to piece together Arjun's network.
Arjun Ayanki, a repeat offender with a history of violent crimes, is currently wanted in a case where he allegedly threatened the Kothamangalam Station House Officer (SHO) through a Facebook post. The threat came shortly after Arjun's release from judicial custody, and police believe it was in retaliation for his earlier arrest in connection with organised crime activities.
The case traces back to May this year, when Arjun and six others were taken into custody by a police team led by the Kothamangalam SHO. The arrests were made at a friend's wedding in the area, and the accused were charged with criminal conspiracy linked to organised crime. After spending 21 days in jail, Arjun allegedly posted a message on social media warning the SHO that he would not allow him to 'live peacefully after retirement.' The post was subsequently reported, and a case was registered against Arjun.
Despite repeated attempts, police have not yet been able to locate Arjun, who is known for changing hideouts frequently. The recent arrests of his alleged aides and the detention of his brother are seen as critical steps toward narrowing down his location. Police have urged the public to report any information about Arjun's whereabouts, while assuring that all leads will be thoroughly investigated.
Authorities have declined to speculate on the timeline of his capture but have expressed confidence that the intensified surveillance and coordinated efforts across districts will yield results. The case has drawn attention to the growing challenge of tackling organised crime and the use of social media to intimidate law enforcement officials. Meanwhile, further interrogation of Akhil is underway to determine if he has direct knowledge of Arjun's current location.
