Cyber police seize phone used by Arjun Ayanki to post online threats

The Cyber police investigating the case against Arjun Ayanki have seized a phone allegedly used to upload threatening and abusive posts on social media, while a laptop was also seized during a search of his house at Kappakadavu, Azhikode.

The phone was reportedly recovered from near the apartment where Ayanki was arrested. The police found the device concealed in a shoe rack. The recovery assumes significance as Ayanki allegedly told investigators that he himself had posted the controversial messages on social media.

During questioning, Ayanki reportedly told the police that he used Wi-Fi networks at different locations to upload the posts. He allegedly said he used public Wi-Fi while traveling from Ernakulam to Kannur to publish some of the messages. The police are examining the devices and digital evidence as part of the investigation.

The Cyber police had earlier found another phone when Ayanki was arrested, but subsequent investigation reportedly established that the social media posts were not uploaded from that device.

Kannur City Cyber police searched Ayanki’s house at Kappadavu as part of the investigation into cases registered over alleged threats and abusive social media posts targeting police officers and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala. The search led by Inspector A. Anoop lasted about an hour.

The police also recorded statements from Ayanki’s mother and his brother, Ajay Ayanki.

Ayanki, who is in judicial custody at Thalassery sub-jail, was recently produced before the Thalassery Judicial Magistrate and remanded in police custody for three days for detailed interrogation.

The police are also expected to take him to locations in Kannur where he allegedly stayed while evading arrest and to conduct evidence collection.

The police have reportedly said Ayanki was not fully cooperating with the interrogation.