Thrissur: City police conducted an extensive search across Thrissur on Friday to trace absconding accused Arjun Ayanki, who is wanted in connection with a case involving alleged threats to the Kothamangalam Circle Inspector.
Multiple police teams led by the Thrissur City Assistant Commissioner of Police searched various locations across the city after Ayanki’s mobile phone tower location was traced to the Naikkanal area. Searches were intensified around Naikkanal Junction and Thekkinkadu Maidan, while checkpoints and vehicle inspections were stepped up at several locations.
According to the investigation team, Ayanki changed vehicles for the second time while travelling from Palakkad to Thrissur in an apparent attempt to evade the police. Investigators suspect he managed to escape surveillance after leading officers on a chase across the city for nearly an hour.
Police have also traced a car suspected to have been used by Ayanki. CCTV footage reportedly showed the vehicle crossing the Panniyankara toll plaza, after which investigators believe he switched to another vehicle.
As the search continued, police took Akhil, Ayanki’s brother, into custody from the Vadakkunnathan Temple premises for questioning. A man suspected to be an associate of Ayanki was also taken into custody in Thrissur as part of the investigation.
Amid the intensive search, Ayanki surfaced on social media by posting an Instagram status seeking financial assistance for his legal battle. The post included a QR code for contributions. In the post, Ayanki claimed that his opponents had falsely portrayed him as a gold smuggler and a millionaire.
Police have issued an alert to all stations across Thrissur district and intensified the search following information that Ayanki may be in the city.
Responding to the developments, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the police would take all necessary steps to apprehend the absconding accused.
“The police know how to deal with goons and anti-social elements. They are doing their job, and I have no comments to make on that,” he said.