PALAKKAD: Police have nabbed notorious gangster Arjun Ayanki in a case of extorting 75 sovereigns of gold after attacking a gold merchant. Arjun Ayanki has been taken into custody by the Meenakshipuram police from Pune. The police had earlier arrested 11 persons, including CPM and DYFI workers, in the case. Arjun Ayanki, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the robbery, was arrested months later under the leadership of the Meenakshipuram CI.

The robbery took place on March 26 at Meenakshipuram, Palakkad. Thrissur Puthukkad native Rafael (57) was returning on a private bus after taking gold to a jewellery shop in Madukkarai, Tamil Nadu when a car carrying Arjun Ayanki and his gang obstructed the bus. The gang abducted Rafael and took him to a deserted area in Tamil Nadu. They then took away 75 sovereigns of gold, cash, and a mobile phone after beating him up. After dividing the stolen goods among them, the gang members fled. Police took action based on the complaint lodged by Rafael.