Nilambur: MLA P.V. Anwar Arrested in Forest Office Vandalism Case
MLA P.V. Anwar has been arrested in connection with the case of vandalizing the Forest Office in Nilambur. The arrest was made under non-bailable sections, including charges of destroying public property and obstructing police duties. The case names 11 individuals, including P.V. Anwar, as identifiable accused, with the MLA being the prime accused. The FIR also alleges that a police officer was assaulted during the incident.
In his first response, P.V. Anwar directly challenged the Chief Minister, declaring, "I will show you when I am out." He accused the arrest of being politically motivated, stating that it was carried out on the Chief Minister’s orders. Anwar criticized Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, claiming that his governance exhibited greater authoritarianism than that of Prime Minister Modi. He questioned why those involved in serious crimes like murder were free on bail while he was being targeted.
Anwar remarked, “I am not being taken into custody for committing robbery or murder. Don’t the people have the right to protest?” He added that his criticism of the Kerala police’s alleged corruption had placed him at odds with the Chief Minister. “Pinarayi, who criticizes Modi, is implementing a more oppressive regime himself,” Anwar alleged.
The arrest was carried out by a police team led by Nilambur CI Sunil Pallikkal. A heavy police force was deployed to surround Anwar’s residence in Othayi before taking him into custody. The case involves 11 DMK workers, including Anwar. As Anwar was detained, a large group of supporters and DMK activists gathered outside his residence, chanting slogans and protesting the arrest.
The incident stems from a protest led by Anwar and DMK workers on Saturday night in the Karulai forest region. The protest was sparked by the death of an Adivasi man named Mani, who was reportedly trampled to death by an elephant. Protesters vandalized the locked Nilambur North DFO (Divisional Forest Officer) office, breaking its locks and damaging property. They also protested at the district hospital.
Ahead of his arrest, Anwar posted on Facebook, criticizing the government for its authoritarian actions. He alleged that all police officers from Malappuram district were deployed at his residence. He claimed the protest against Mani’s death was natural and emphasized his commitment to abiding by the law as a legislator. Anwar accused the Chief Minister and Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran of conspiring against him, a claim the Forest Minister denied, asserting that there was no conspiracy behind the arrest.
