Nilambur: Nilambur MLA PV Anwar was arrested at his home in Othai, Nilambur, in connection with the vandalism of the Nilambur Forest Division Office (DFO). The incident took place during a protest led by the MLA against the death of a tribal youth, Mani, in a wild elephant attack. The case against Anwar is under non-bailable sections, including destruction of public property and obstruction of justice.
A team led by deputy superintendent of police (deputy SP) Balakrishnan recorded the arrest. Along with Anwar, the Nilambur police have registered a case against 11 people. Anwar is named as the primary accused in the case.
Protest turns violent
The incident took place on Sunday around 11.30 am when a group led by Anwar stormed Nilambur DFO office, protesting the delay in conducting the postmortem of Mani, a 35-year-old tribal man who died in a wild elephant attack. The protest escalated, with the group breaking into the locked office and vandalizing property, including chairs and light fixtures.
The office was closed that day as it was a Sunday. After damaging the office, the protesters marched to Nilambur District Hospital, where Mani’s body was kept. The march was stopped by police, who were deployed in large numbers. The protest, which lasted about 90 minutes, ended with the arrest of three DMK workers in front of the hospital.
Allegations by Anwar
Speaking to the media,Anwar alleged that his arrest was part of a political conspiracy orchestrated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and political leader P Sasi. He said that he would face the case legally. Anwar also criticized Forest Minister AK Saseendran and the police for delaying Mani’s postmortem.
On social media, Anwar posted a note calling for action against what he termed as “government-backed terrorists.”
Mani, a 35-year-old tribal man from Karulai in Nedumkayam area, was attacked by a wild elephant on Saturday evening while walking through the inner forest, about 25 kilometers from Karulai. He was carrying his sick daughter on his shoulders when the elephant attacked. His friends managed to escape and alerted forest guards and police.
Mani’s brother carried him for over a kilometer to seek help, but despite being rushed to Nilambur District Hospital, Mani succumbed to his injuries.
The police are investigating the vandalism and the larger protest, which resulted in significant damage to public property. They have also filed charges against the MLA and others involved.
