Kerala MLA P V Anvar Arrested for Alleged Vandalism Following Tribal Death Protest

Independent Kerala legislator P V Anvar was detained on Sunday for allegedly damaging the District Forest Office (DFO) after a protest concerning the death of a tribal man in an elephant attack, according to police reports. Officers arrived at Anvar's residence in Othayi, took him into custody, and recorded his arrest later that night.

Anvar, who represents the Nilambur constituency, recently left the CPI Marxist-led ruling LDF after accusing them of corruption. He criticised the state government and forest department for their handling of the incident involving the tribal man, Mani, who was killed by a wild elephant on Saturday evening. Anvar's group, the Democratic Movement of Kerala (DMK), protested outside the forest office, accusing wildlife officials of negligence.

Protest and Arrest

The DMK protest saw nearly 10 members entering the North DFO office and causing damage, as per police accounts. Television footage showed DMK workers entering the office, chanting slogans, and pushing away police officers attempting to intervene. Following this, Nilambur police charged Anvar and others under various sections of the BNS and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

The First Information Report (FIR) stated that around 40 individuals led by Anvar staged a sit-in outside the forest office. Ten of them allegedly entered the DFO office later, damaging property and obstructing public servants. After filing a case, police went to Anvar's home to arrest him. His supporters protested strongly against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the police.

Anvar's Response

Speaking from his residence, Anvar confirmed his arrest and described it as an example of "administrative terrorism." He claimed he was treated like a criminal and said he would have cooperated if given notice. Anvar accused Chief Minister Vijayan of orchestrating his arrest, stating that there seems to be no rule of law.

Anvar further warned about potential consequences if he survives imprisonment. "They have annihilated many inside jail. If I survive after being imprisoned, I will show what would happen," he stated. He also criticised the forest minister for not visiting Mani's family and alleged delays in postmortem procedures.

Political Reactions

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala condemned the midnight arrest of an MLA for participating in a protest, calling it "administrative terrorism" and a serious lapse by the police. In contrast, State Forest Minister A K Saseendran defended the arrest as lawful and unrelated to other incidents.

Anvar described his followers' protest as a natural emotional response to Mani's death. He highlighted ongoing dangers to lives due to inadequate interventions by the forest department. "The life of a person has been lost. More lives continue to be in danger," he remarked.

The situation underscores tensions between political figures and authorities over handling human-wildlife conflicts in Kerala. The incident has sparked debates on administrative actions and accountability within government departments.