Arjun Ayanki Arrested in Kerala for Threatening Police and Minister

Arjun Ayanki, a notorious criminal in Kerala, was arrested for allegedly threatening police officials and challenging Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala. His arrest followed a statewide search that lasted three days. Ayanki has a history of criminal activity, with 23 cases against him, including recent charges related to social media threats. Despite claiming allegiance to a political party, he has been distanced by them. Read on to learn more about his criminal background and the circumstances surrounding his arrest.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 9, 2026, 11:38 IST

Arrest of Notorious Criminal in Kannur

Kannur (Kerala), August 9 - Authorities have apprehended Arjun Ayanki, a notorious criminal accused of threatening police officials and challenging Kerala's Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, on Sunday in Kannur. The information was confirmed by officials.

Kannur City Police Commissioner B.V. Vijay Bharat Reddy informed reporters that Ayanki was taken into custody within the city limits. A late-night operation was conducted to capture him, led by Additional Director General of Police P. Vijayan. Reddy stated, “We have been searching for him since Saturday morning.”

According to police sources, Ayanki was detained around 2:30 AM at an attorney's apartment. Following reports of his presence in Kannur city, search operations were initiated at various locations starting Saturday morning. After his arrest, Ayanki was transported to the Kannur Town Police Station. Police indicated that he would be taken to Kothamangalam, where an investigation is ongoing regarding threats made to a police officer.

Police records show that Ayanki has 23 cases registered against him. Recently, he faced charges for allegedly challenging Home Minister Chennithala and defaming Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on social media platforms. When questioned by reporters, Ayanki responded, “Have the missing fishermen been located?”

For the past three days, police have been actively searching for Ayanki across Kerala. Several individuals, including his brother, have been detained as part of the investigation. Ayanki, a resident of Azhikode in Kannur district, first gained notoriety in 2021 related to a gold smuggling ring operating through Karipur Airport. The latest case against him is linked to a police search at a resort in Kothamangalam.

During this search, Ayanki and his associates were suspected of gathering for criminal activities and were subsequently detained. After being released on bail, Ayanki allegedly posted threatening messages on social media directed at the officer in charge of the Kothamangalam police station, who led the search operation. A new case was filed against him based on the officer's complaint.

In another development, the Kerala High Court recently dismissed Ayanki's plea for anticipatory bail. Police allege that despite the rejection of his bail application, Ayanki continued to threaten police officials via voice messages on social media. Although he claims to support the CPI(M), the party has distanced itself from him.