Kannur (Kerala), Aug 10 (PTI) Kannur Range IG K Karthick on Monday called the team that arrested history-sheeter Arjun Ayanki the ‘Kannur Squad’, referring to the Malayalam movie of the same name starring actor Mammootty.
The officer said that although the police team’s work was not exactly like that depicted in the film, it was “thrilling”.
“The team which nabbed Ayanki worked just like the one in the movie ‘Kannur Squad’,” Karthick told reporters here.
The movie is based on the real-life story of a team of police officers who were part of the Kannur Squad, a crime investigation unit formed by former Kannur SP S Sreejith.
The team travelled across India to track down and nab a criminal.
Ayanki was arrested on Sunday in connection with a case related
to allegedly challenging Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on social media.
He was recently booked for allegedly challenging Chennithala and defaming Chief Minister VD Satheesan on social media platforms.
Karthick said police were investigating who helped Ayanki remain in hiding by providing him with financial assistance, food, transportation and accommodation.
All those who harboured him or helped him evade arrest would face legal action, he said.
The officer said that under ‘Operation Grip’, police across the state were monitoring ‘goondas’ and ‘rowdies’ and arresting those against whom there were pending cases.
The Kerala Police launched a state-wide crackdown on rowdy elements and gang members following recent threats allegedly issued by Ayanki.
He said the operation would not stop with Ayanki’s arrest.
The investigation would also continue into the various cases registered against Ayanki, he said.
According to police, Ayanki is involved in 23 criminal cases.
Police questioned his mother and brother and searched their residence. PTI HMP SSK
