‘Kerala is not a land of goons’: Chennithala warns criminals after Arjun Ayanki arrest

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is not a land of goons but a state of people who want to live in peace, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said, asserting that no criminal who challenges the law or the system will be allowed to operate freely in the state.

Chennithala was speaking to the media following the arrest of Arjun Ayanki. He said the government's priority was to ensure that people could lead peaceful and secure lives and warned that strong action would be taken against anti-social elements.

The minister said the arrests made over the past few days should serve as a warning to those who believe they can defy the law.

“The fact that those who challenged the law have been handcuffed over the past two or three days is a lesson for all goons,” he said.

Police monitoring repeat offenders

Chennithala said the police had prepared detailed lists at the police station level to identify and monitor anti-social elements.

Repeat offenders and those facing proceedings under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) are under strict police surveillance, he said.

He added that no one would be allowed to disrupt public life during the Onam season and that police had been instructed to take stringent action wherever necessary.

The minister also warned of strict action against drug mafias and criminal gangs, saying there would be no compromise in dealing with such groups.

‘Political protection won’t save anyone’

Chennithala said no one could escape the law by claiming political protection and stressed that the law would apply equally to everyone.

He also pointed out that Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan and CPM leader M.V. Jayarajan had publicly distanced themselves from Arjun Ayanki, saying this made it clear that no one could shield such individuals.

The minister said active criminal gangs operating in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram would not be tolerated. He warned that action would be taken not only against the gang members but also against those who finance, support or nurture them.

“All legally permissible measures will be taken against such criminals,” Chennithala said.