Arjun Ayanki Booked Again, This Time Over Facebook Post Targeting Kerala CM

A fresh case has been registered against history-sheeter Arjun Ayanki for allegedly defaming and making provocative remarks against the Kerala Chief Minister on social media, even as police continue their search for him across the state, officials said on Saturday.

The Ernakulam Rural Cyber Police registered the case on Friday night over a Facebook post allegedly uploaded by Ayanki on August 5. According to the FIR, the post was published with the alleged intention of defaming the Chief Minister, creating enmity and provoking public disorder.

The post, uploaded from a Facebook account bearing Ayanki’s name, reportedly praised former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in comparison with the incumbent. The FIR further alleged that Ayanki described the current Chief Minister as a “joker and liar”.

Police have invoked Sections 296(b) and 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act. The provisions relate to obscene words in or near a public place, deliberate provocation with intent to cause a riot and transmission of obscene material electronically. The latest case comes amid an intensified search for Ayanki in connection with alleged threats to police officers in Kothamangalam. Police detained his brother Akhil and two associates on Friday while attempting to trace him.

A native of Azhikode in Kannur district, Ayanki first came to wider public attention in 2021 in connection with an alleged gold-smuggling network operating through Karipur airport. More recently, he came under police scrutiny following a raid at a resort in Kothamangalam, where he and another person were allegedly suspected of assembling for criminal activities. After being released on bail, Ayanki allegedly posted threatening messages targeting the Station House Officer who led the raid.

A case was registered based on the officer’s complaint, while the Kerala High Court dismissed Ayanki’s anticipatory bail plea. Police have alleged that he continued threatening officers through voice messages on social media even after the court’s decision. Separately, the Kannur Cyber Police registered another case against Ayanki on Friday over an alleged social media challenge directed at State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala. Police are continuing efforts to locate Ayanki as the latest FIR adds to the cases already registered against him.