Kannur, 22 August (H.S.): A court has granted bail to Arjun Ayanki, an accused in several criminal cases, including gold smuggling cases, in a case registered by the Kannur Cyber Crime Police. However, he will remain in custody as other cases are pending against him and preventive detention proceedings have been initiated under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA).

The Thalassery Chief Judicial Magistrate Court granted bail to Ayanki in the cybercrime case. His release is unlikely following an order issued by Kannur District Collector P. Vishnuraj placing him under preventive detention.

The Collector approved the action after examining the recommendation submitted by the Kannur City Police Commissioner and a detailed report on Ayanki's criminal history.

According to the detention order, Ayanki has been accused in several criminal cases during the past seven years and is considered a serious threat to public peace and order. The authorities also assessed that he could become involved in further serious offences if released on bail.

Based on this assessment, the district administration decided to invoke KAAPA and keep him under preventive detention. A copy of the KAAPA notice has already been served on Ayanki.

Ayanki is currently lodged in the Thalassery Sub-Jail on remand. Police have submitted an application before the court seeking permission to transfer him to the Kannur Central Jail for detention under the preventive law.

Once the legal and administrative procedures are completed, Ayanki will be produced before the superintendent of the Kannur Central Jail and formally placed under preventive detention.

The KAAPA order effectively prevents his immediate release despite the bail granted in the cybercrime case. Police authorities maintain that the measure is necessary in view of his alleged involvement in multiple offences and the possibility that his release could pose a continuing threat to public order in the coming days.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman