Police move to crack gold-smuggling network through Ayanki; Cyber Police seek five-day custody

KANNUR: Police are planning a wider probe into the gold-smuggling and gold-robbery networks operating in the state by questioning Arjun Ayanki, who is currently lodged in the Thalassery sub-jail on remand.
As part of the move, the Kannur Cyber Police have sought five days’ custody of Ayanki for questioning and evidence collection in a case registered over allegedly abusive remarks against Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on social media. The custody application was filed before the Thalassery Chief Judicial Magistrate Court.

Police plan to question Ayanki extensively and gather information that could help them investigate the gold-related criminal networks. Further steps in the probe may be taken after the Cyber Police complete their investigation. A special questionnaire is being prepared for the interrogation, with Crime Branch officials tasked with the job.
Steps are also under way to invoke the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) against Ayanki. The Kannur City Police Commissioner will forward a report to the district collector this week. The Valapattanam Police, which has registered the highest number of cases against Ayanki, will prepare the report.

Police are also trying to trace Ayanki’s mobile phone and collect evidence. The Cyber Police searched his house at Kappakkadavu in Azhikode on Monday, but could not find the phone. His laptop was taken into custody.
The mobile phone allegedly used to share the abusive posts is among the key pieces of evidence in the case. Cyber Police will examine whether the controversial posts were circulated using the phone seized from Ayanki.