Thiruvananthapuram, August 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Kerala Police have intensified efforts to arrest fugitive gangster Arjun Ayanki after he allegedly challenged the state police and government through a series of provocative social media posts, daring authorities to track him down.
Ayanki’s public defiance has turned the investigation into a major challenge for the police and the state Home Department, with special teams now conducting searches across Kerala and neighbouring states.
A former DYFI (CPI(M) youth wing) functionary, Ayanki later emerged as an alleged key figure in Kerala’s gold-smuggling and quotation mafia networks. He has been absconding after the Kerala High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea in connection with a criminal case registered in Kothamangalam.
Instead of surrendering, Ayanki allegedly posted messages on Instagram and Facebook mocking the police, questioning their ability to arrest him and making remarks that investigators believe were aimed at intimidating law enforcement officials.
His recent social media posts reportedly targeted state Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, following which senior police officials were directed to ensure his arrest at the earliest. Authorities are also examining the possibility of registering additional cases over alleged threats and attempts to undermine the police through online platforms.
Special Investigation Teams, supported by shadow police personnel and cyber experts, have launched coordinated searches in Kochi, Kothamangalam and Kannur. Surveillance has also been expanded to neighbouring states, including Maharashtra, amid suspicion that Ayanki may have moved outside Kerala with assistance from an organised criminal network.
Investigators are verifying whether Ayanki himself is managing the social media accounts or if associates are operating them on his behalf. Police are analysing digital footprints, IP details, mobile tower locations, financial transactions, UPI accounts and suspected benami dealings.
Authorities have also warned that individuals providing shelter, financial assistance or logistical support to the fugitive could face legal action.
The latest developments are linked to a May 3 police operation in which Ayanki and nine associates were detained from a luxury resort in Kothamangalam. Police had alleged that the group was involved in planning a major criminal activity. Although Ayanki later secured bail, investigators sought its cancellation after accusing him of threatening the investigating officer and continuing provocative online activities.
Once known as a prominent CPI(M)-aligned cyber activist, Ayanki later became an accused in multiple gold-smuggling and quotation-related cases, including investigations connected to the 2021 Ramanattukara gold smuggling case.
Police believe his arrest could provide crucial leads into a wider interstate criminal network. For the Kerala Police, the operation has now become a test of their ability to apprehend a wanted accused who has openly challenged law enforcement.
FOLLOW NOW
