NILAMBUR: Nilambur independent MLA PV Anwar, arrested in the case of vandalizing forest office, was remanded and lodged in Tavanur Central Jail. Anvar, a former CPM ally, who had a dramatic rift with CM Pinarayi Vijayan just months back, was arrested after police barged into his house on Sunday night. He has been charged with non-bailable sections. While being taken to the police station, Anvar talked with media and called his arrest a state-sponsored hooliganism at the behest of CM Pinarayi Vijayan. The Nilambur leader will apply for bail on Monday.

Earlier on Sunday, DMK activists vandalized the Nilambur Forest Office in protest against the death of tribal youth Mani in a wild tusker attack. The arrest was made under the leadership of Nilambur DYSP G. Balachandran at 9.38 pm on eight charges including three non-bailable sections. It is indicated that before the arrest, District Police Chief R. Vishwanath arrived in Nilambur.

The Nilambur police have registered a case against 11 persons including Anvar under Section 132 of the Indian Penal Code for use of force against police officers and under Section 121 for use of force against forest officers. It has been pointed out in the FIR that two policemen were beaten up and one policeman was kicked to the ground and injured in the melee following the arrest.

By 8 pm on Sunday, a large force of police arrived at Anvar’s residence in Othayi. At first, the DMK workers formed a bulwark stopping police from entering inside the house. The police said it was enough to inform the speaker about the arrest only after registering criminal charges against the MLA.

The police waited outside the MLA's house for two hours while Anvar was busy seeking legal opinion. The officers soon informed Anvar that they would not wait any longer and an arrest was imminent. Anvar later summoned a private doctor to check his health condition. Meanwhile, tension ensued after more DMK workers arrived at the place.

“Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is behind the arrest. If I come back alive, I can give you the word that there will be a payback. This is a state-sponsored terrorism master brained by CM Pinarayi and P Sasi.” said Anvar.