52-year-old man arrested for issuing death threat to Kollam mayor Honey Benjamin

KOLLAM: Police have arrested the man accused of making a death threat against Kollam Mayor Honey Benjamin. The suspect, Anil Kumar (52), hails from Puthenvila near All Saints College in Thiruvananthapuram and has a history of involvement in multiple criminal cases.

The incident occurred on the morning of the 14th, around 7:15 AM, when Anil Kumar approached the mayor’s residence and issued the threat. He later visited Vaidyasala Junction, where he asked locals about the mayor and used offensive language. Witnesses also reported that he was carrying a knife. A woman named Rosamma, known to the mayor, was the first to alert her about the incident after Anil questioned and verbally abused her as well.

CCTV footage from the area showed the accused repeatedly approaching the mayor’s house with a knife, which helped police confirm his identity.

Authorities said Anil Kumar often travelled to Kollam and stayed in various lodges. He was taken into custody early yesterday from a lodge in the city. In the past, he had rented a house in the Kavadi area of Ashramam.

He also faces several visa fraud charges, with cases filed at police stations including Kollam East, Ramankari, Vanchiyoor, Fort, Mangalapuram, and Adoor. Police plan to present him in court today following further questioning about the motive behind his threat.