Kerala Police have launched a sweeping statewide crackdown against history-sheeters, gang members and suspected criminal associates after alleged threats by history-sheeter Arjun Ayanki triggered heightened concern among law-enforcement agencies. The operation, named ‘Operation Grip’, has already resulted in around 55 people being apprehended in a single night, as authorities move to dismantle criminal networks and ensure a peaceful Onam season.
Kerala Police Intensify Statewide Crackdown
The special operation began on Saturday under the direction of senior police officials and involves coordination between state-level and district intelligence units. Police teams are monitoring known history-sheeters, active gang members, wanted accused and individuals suspected of providing shelter or other assistance to criminal networks.
According to Kerala Police, approximately 55 people had been apprehended by 10 pm on Saturday as part of the first phase of Operation Grip. The authorities have made it clear that the campaign is not restricted to one district and will continue across the state.
State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the government would not allow criminal elements to operate freely in Kerala. He said people involved in criminal activities and those with a history of such offences were being identified, monitored and apprehended.
ADGP (Law and Order) P Vijayan said the operation was conceived after police took note of statements and challenges issued by Ayanki. The objective, he said, was to ensure that such challenges to law enforcement would not be repeated and that identified notorious offenders would be brought under the reach of the law.
Arjun Ayanki Becomes Focus of Police Manhunt
The crackdown comes amid an intensified police search for Arjun Ayanki, who is facing multiple criminal cases. Police have said 23 cases are registered against him.
Ayanki allegedly issued threatening statements against police officers and challenged the state Home Minister through social media. His online activities have become a major focus of the investigation, with cyber units also examining his digital trail.
Police subsequently intensified efforts to trace him and detained people allegedly linked to him. His brother Akhil Ayanki and associates have also faced police action amid allegations that they helped him evade arrest.
Authorities have also registered cases over alleged social-media posts involving Ayanki. Police have invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act in cases relating to alleged intimidation, defamatory content and possible attempts to provoke public disorder.
Gang Associates and History-Sheeters Under Surveillance
Operation Grip is broader than the search for Ayanki. Police officials have said the campaign is designed to identify active gang members, their associates and individuals who allegedly provide support to criminal groups.
Those already involved in criminal cases are being closely monitored, while absconders and people facing warrants are being traced. Police are also examining whether known offenders remain active despite being under surveillance.
In Thiruvananthapuram, several people described by police as Ayanki’s associates were arrested. Authorities said some of them had allegedly remained in contact with Ayanki and had provided support when he visited the capital.
The statewide nature of the operation reflects the police department’s attempt to prevent criminal groups from shifting activities between districts to avoid detection.
Social Media Activity Also Under Police Scanner
A significant aspect of the crackdown is the attention being given to social-media activity. Police are monitoring online spaces where criminal figures may allegedly threaten officials, glorify gang activity or encourage supporters.
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Officials have warned that people who actively promote criminal elements online could also face legal action. The police are particularly interested in identifying accounts or individuals allegedly being used to circulate messages while wanted suspects remain in hiding.
Investigators are also examining whether associates or third parties are handling social-media accounts to create confusion about the physical whereabouts of suspects.
Operation Aims to Keep Onam Peaceful
With Onam approaching, maintaining public safety has become a central objective of the operation. The festival brings large crowds, increased movement and extensive public celebrations across Kerala, making effective law enforcement particularly important.
Police officials said the crackdown is intended to prevent known criminal elements from exploiting the festive period to engage in violence, intimidation or other unlawful activities.
The campaign therefore combines preventive policing with efforts to arrest wanted accused and disrupt established criminal networks.
Police Send Strong Message to Criminal Networks
The launch of Operation Grip marks a tougher approach by Kerala Police toward organised criminal activity and repeat offenders. Officials have indicated that the operation will continue beyond the initial arrests and that district police chiefs are being tasked with identifying and acting against notorious offenders.
The action also sends a broader message that threats against police officers and public officials, particularly through social media, will not be ignored.
As the search for Ayanki and the wider crackdown continue, police are expected to intensify surveillance and raids across Kerala. For the authorities, the immediate priority is clear: dismantle active criminal networks, bring wanted offenders before the law and ensure that Kerala’s Onam celebrations remain peaceful and secure.
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