Kannur Cyber Police Seek Five-Day Custody of Arjun Ayanki Over Social Media Remarks
The Kannur cyber police have approached the Thalassery Chief Judicial Magistrate court seeking five days of custody of history-sheeter Arjun Ayanki, who is presently in judicial custody in connection with alleged abusive social media posts directed at Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala.
What Happened
Following his arrest on Sunday, August 9, 2026, Arjun Ayanki was placed in judicial custody. On Monday, August 10, 2026, the investigating team filed an application before the Thalassery Chief Judicial Magistrate court requesting his custody to carry out detailed questioning and gather evidence.
Investigators have seized a mobile phone and other electronic devices from Arjun, which form central elements of the evidence in the case. Cyber police personnel plan to examine these digital devices to determine if the disputed posts were generated and circulated from the seized phone.
In addition to the cyber case, authorities have initiated steps to invoke the Kerala Anti-Social Activities Prevention Act (KAAPA) against Arjun. His criminal record is currently being compiled and reviewed under the supervision of the Valappattanam police inspector. This assessment report will be submitted to the District Police Chief (City) and then forwarded to the District Collector for further administrative action.
Key Highlights
- The Kannur cyber police submitted a plea before the Thalassery Chief Judicial Magistrate court seeking five days of custody of Arjun Ayanki.
- The case pertains to allegedly abusive remarks posted on social media against Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala.
- Investigators are analyzing seized mobile devices to confirm if they were used to circulate the controversial material.
- Proceedings under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities Prevention Act (KAAPA) have begun under the supervision of the Valappattanam police inspector.
- Police are also probing posts mocking law enforcement made while Arjun was absconding and are searching for a friend he claimed was involved.
- Arjun also faces potential legal action in a separate case registered by the Kothamangalam police.
Why This Matters
The case highlights the police scrutiny on the misuse of social media platforms to target public officials and the enforcement of statutory preventive measures like KAAPA against individuals with prior criminal records. The outcome of the custody application and the digital forensics examination will directly determine how investigators substantiate charges involving online content and absconding activities.
What to Watch Next
The Thalassery Chief Judicial Magistrate court will consider the custody application submitted by the cyber police. Additionally, the Valappattanam police inspector will submit the KAAPA background report to the District Police Chief (City), which will subsequently go to the District Collector. Efforts also continue to locate the absconding friend mentioned during interrogation, alongside forthcoming actions by the Kothamangalam police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have the police sought Arjun Ayanki’s custody?
The Kannur cyber police requested five days of custody for further interrogation and to inspect seized digital devices regarding abusive social media remarks targeting Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala.
What additional legal actions are being initiated?
Authorities have started the procedure to invoke the Kerala Anti-Social Activities Prevention Act (KAAPA) by reviewing his criminal history, and he is also expected to face action in a case registered by the Kothamangalam police.
What is the status of the investigation into his online activities?
Police are investigating content posted while he was on the run, including posts mocking the police. Investigators are also trying to trace an absconding friend whom Arjun allegedly identified as responsible for some of the online posts.
Source: Reported based on legal and police updates from Kannur, Kerala.