Special Kerala Police teams formed after fugitive gangster Arjun Ayanki issues challenge

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Police have launched an intensive statewide manhunt for fugitive gangster Arjun Ayanki after he openly challenged the force and the state government through a series of provocative social media posts, daring officers to come and arrest him.

The unprecedented public defiance by a wanted accused has turned the hunt into a prestige battle for the police and the Home Department.

Ayanki, a former DYFI (CPI(M) youth wing) functionary who later emerged as an alleged key player in Kerala’s gold-smuggling and quotation mafia, has remained on the run after the Kerala High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea in a Kothamangalam criminal case.

Instead of surrendering, he took to Instagram and Facebook, mocking the police, questioning their ability to arrest him and even issuing alleged threats against investigating officers.

The latest round of posts reportedly targeted state Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, prompting the government to direct senior police officers to secure his arrest without delay.

Police are also preparing fresh criminal cases over the alleged intimidation of public servants and attempts to undermine law enforcement through social media.

Special Investigation Teams, assisted by shadow police and cyber experts, have launched coordinated searches in Kochi, Kothamangalam and Kannur, while surveillance has been expanded to neighbouring states, including Maharashtra, amid suspicions that Ayanki may have fled Kerala with the help of an organised criminal network.

Investigators are examining whether Ayanki himself is operating the social media accounts or whether associates are posting on his behalf to mislead the police.

His digital communications, IP addresses, mobile tower data, financial transactions, UPI accounts and suspected benami dealings are all under scrutiny.

Those allegedly providing shelter, funds or logistical assistance are also likely to face prosecution.

The confrontation stems from a May 3 operation in which Ayanki and nine associates were detained at a luxury resort in Kothamangalam.

Police alleged the group was planning a major crime.

Though he later obtained bail, investigators sought its cancellation after he allegedly threatened the investigating officer and continued issuing provocative messages online.

Once known as a prominent CPI(M)-aligned cyber activist, Ayanki later became an accused in several high-profile gold-smuggling and quotation cases, including investigations linked to the 2021 Ramanattukara gold smuggling case.

Police believe his arrest could expose a wider interstate criminal network.

For Kerala Police, the operation has now become more than the pursuit of a fugitive; it is a test of whether the state’s law enforcement machinery can bring to book a wanted criminal who has chosen to challenge it in full public view.

IANS