Kerala Police seek five-day custody of Arjun Ayanki
Kerala police are seeking five-day custody of Arjun Ayanki, a history-sheeter currently in judicial custody for alleged abusive social media posts. Authorities are also investigating his potential involvement in further criminal activities and are initiating proceedings under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities Prevention Act.
Why it matters
This case highlights the intersection of cybercrime enforcement and the application of stringent anti-social activity laws in India.
The Kannur cyber police have sought five days’ custody of history-sheeter Arjun Ayanki, who is currently in judicial custody in a case registered for allegedly abusive social media remarks against Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala.
The investigating team submitted an application before the Thalassery Chief Judicial Magistrate court on Monday (August 10, 2026) seeking Arjun’s custody for further questioning and evidence collection.
The mobile phone and other devices seized from Arjun are among the key evidence in the case. The cyber police will examine whether the controversial posts were circulated using the phone seized from him.
Meanwhile, the police have begun proceedings to invoke the Kerala Anti-Social Activities Prevention Act (KAAPA) against Arjun. As part of the process, his criminal history is being examined under the supervision of the Valappattanam police inspector. The report will be submitted to District Police Chief (City), and subsequently forwarded to the District Collector.
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