Court Sends Kerala MLA PV Anvar To Jail In Forest Office Vandalism Case

Nilambur MLA PV Anvar has been remanded to Tavanoor jail following his arrest in connection with a forest office vandalism case.

The incident occurred during a protest led by Anvar and his supporters after a tribal man was killed by an elephant in the Karulai forest. The Nilambur magistrate has ordered 14 days of judicial custody for the legislator.

Police reports state that Anvar, along with 11 others, has been booked under non-bailable charges for destroying public property and obstructing law enforcement officers. The arrest came after a protest march by Anvar’s supporters to the Nilambur Divisional Forest Office, where significant damage to government property was allegedly caused. Efforts to apprehend Anvar earlier were thwarted as his supporters blocked the entrance to his residence, leading to heightened tensions.

A large police force was deployed at Anvar’s residence, following authorization from the Kerala Legislative Assembly Speaker. Despite resistance, the police successfully detained Anvar amidst slogans and demonstrations by his supporters.

Anvar, once a political ally of the Left Democratic Front (LDF), has become a vocal critic of the Kerala government, particularly targeting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. In September 2024, he made serious accusations against senior government officials, alleging involvement in unauthorized phone surveillance and embezzlement of confiscated gold.

Specifically, Anvar accused P Sasi, the Chief Minister’s political secretary, and MR Ajith Kumar, the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), of conducting illegal phone tapping of ministers and journalists. He also alleged that MR Ajith Kumar and IPS officer Sujith Das S were complicit in misappropriating seized gold during official operations.

This recent arrest has further intensified the strained relations between Anvar and the state government. Political analysts believe that the ongoing legal battle will have significant implications for Kerala’s political landscape, given Anvar’s history of confrontations with the ruling administration.

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