Nilambur Police took MLA P V Anvar into custody on Sunday in connection with the vandalism at the Nilambur Divisional Forest Office. The arrest follows accusations of obstructing official duties, damaging public property, and other related offences.
Published Jan 06, 2025 | 12:10 AM ⚊ Updated Jan 06, 2025 | 12:22 AM
Nilambur police took MLA P V Anvar into custody on Sunday in connection with the vandalism at the Nilambur Divisional Forest Office.
In a late night drama that unfolded on Sunday, 5 December, the Nilambur police arrested MLA PV Anvar. Protest over a 40-year-old man’s death due to wild elephant attack turned violent, leading to the arrest of the Nilambur MLA.
PV Anvar, known for his sharp criticisms against the ruling party—CPI(M), and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, was taken into custody in connection with the vandalism at the Nilambur Divisional Forest Office.
The arrest follows accusations of obstructing official duties, damaging public property, and other related offences. Along with Anvar, ten workers of his new-found party, Democratic Movement of Kerala (DMK), have also been named as accused in the case.
PV Anwar was produced before a magistrate and remanded to custody. He will be transferred to Tavanur Central Jail. Anvar stated that he will submit his bail application on Monday.
As part of the custody procedures, Anvar underwent a medical examination at Nilambur District Hospital.
A case has been filed under multiple sections, including charges of obstructing duty and destruction of public property. Reacting to the arrest, the MLA condemned the move, calling it ‘state-sponsored hooliganism’ carried out at the behest of the chief minister.
Earlier, a large police team led by Nilambur CI Sunil Pallikal was deployed outside Anvar’s residence. DySP Balakrishnan later arrived at the scene, entering the house amid protests by DMK (Democratic Movement of Kerala) workers who had gathered in the area.
The incident occurred after a protest organised by Anvar and DMK workers at the Nilambur Forest Office escalated into violence. The demonstration was held in response to the tragic death of a youth, who was trampled by a wild tusker. However, the protest turned chaotic, resulting in damage to office property.
“I will show you the real game after coming out of custody,” Anvar declared before being taken into police custody. Meanwhile, DMK supporters are staging widespread protests against the MLA’s arrest, chanting slogans targeting the Chief Minister.
When South First contacted the Nilambur Police, they stated that a suo motu case had been registered under BNS sections 189(2), 329(3), 132, 121, 190, 191(2), and Section 3(1) of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
While heading to the magistrate’s house, Anvar told the DYSP in front of the media, “Don’t be oversmart.”
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President K Sudhakaran MP criticized the state government, alleging political motives behind the arrest of MLA PV Anvar in a case of public property destruction.
Sudhakaran questioned the need to surround Anvar’s residence and arrest him, describing the move as creating an atmosphere of terror.
“Anvar is a public servant, not a fugitive. The police acted with undue eagerness to arrest him,” Sudhakaran said in a statement.
Drawing parallels to a previous incident, Sudhakaran pointed out that no action was taken against CPI(M) leaders, including party secretary MV Govindan, when a road was blocked and a stage erected for a party conference.
He accused the government of double standards and claimed that Anvar’s arrest reflects “high-level political conspiracy”.
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has condemned the Kerala Police’s late-night arrest of PV Anwar MLA, calling it an example of “state terrorism.”
Chennithala criticised the government’s actions, stating that there was no justification for such dramatic measures, as Anwar, a sitting MLA, was not a flight risk.
He termed the incident “the ugliest face of government-run terrorism” and accused the state of using law enforcement to settle political scores.
“This will remain a stain on the history of the Kerala Police,” Chennithala said, strongly protesting the arrest and the circumstances under which it was carried out.
(Edited by SF Desk)
