Kochi, 24 August (H.S.): The Kothamangalam Judicial First Class Magistrate Court on Monday granted bail to history-sheeter Arjun Ayanki in a case involving the alleged intimidation of the Kothamangalam Station House Officer (SHO).

However, Ayanki will not be released from custody as he is yet to secure bail in two other criminal cases. He also remains under preventive detention imposed under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities Prevention Act (KAAPA) and is currently lodged at the Thalassery Special Sub-Jail.

The intimidation case followed a pre-dawn raid conducted by the Ernakulam Rural Police at a resort near Kothamangalam. Ayanki and several of his associates were taken into custody during the operation in connection with allegations of unlawful assembly, criminal conspiracy and other offences.

After obtaining bail in the resort case, Ayanki allegedly published a series of social media posts threatening and making derogatory remarks against the Kothamangalam and Oonnukal police inspectors. He also reportedly claimed that the police had fabricated the allegations relating to the resort raid.

The police subsequently registered fresh cases against him on charges including criminal intimidation. Ayanki allegedly went into hiding but continued to challenge the police through social media, prompting authorities to launch a statewide search.

Special squads headed by the Northern Range Deputy Inspector General of Police were formed to trace him. He was eventually located at an apartment in Kannur and taken into custody. Following custodial interrogation and recovery procedures, he was remanded to the Thalassery Special Sub-Jail.

The prosecution strongly opposed his bail application, arguing that he was a habitual offender and that his release could lead to further offences and disturb public order. Police cited his alleged involvement in cases relating to gold smuggling, political violence and online intimidation.

Police also informed the court that Ayanki now faces three separate cases registered within the Kothamangalam police jurisdiction.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman