# Auto driver tip leads to arrest of Kerala history-sheeter Ayanki

2026-08-09T03:51:23+00:00 | India | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Arjun Ayanki, the history-sheeter who had been on the run for days and openly challenged the police, was arrested in Kannur early Sunday. Police took him into custody at 2 am from a lawyer’s apartment. The breakthrough came after an autorickshaw driver grew suspicious of his passenger and alerted the police, who then used CCTV footage to confirm his location. Ayanki first came to public attention in connection with a 2021 gold smuggling case at Karipur airport. He faces 23 cases, including threatening police officers and challenging Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on social media. The CPM has distanced itself from him. After his arrest, Ayanki reportedly asked police, 'Could the fishermen missing be traced?'

## Coverage

- english.mathrubhumi.com <https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/crime/arjun-ayanki-arrested-kannur-police-cctv-j9jgwglq>
- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/historysheeter-arjun-ayanki-arrested-in-kannur-after-threatening-police-officers-101786247157128.html>

Tags: Arjun Ayanki, auto driver tip, CPM distancing, gold smuggling, Kannur arrest, police operation
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