January 6, 2025: Independent legislator PV Anvar was arrested late Sunday night for allegedly vandalizing the North District Forest Office (DFO) in Malappuram during a protest over the tragic death of a tribal man, Mani, who was trampled by a wild elephant on Saturday evening.
Anvar, representing Nilambur constituency, was detained from his residence in Othayi amidst allegations that the forest department failed to adequately address escalating human-wildlife conflicts in the region. Before his arrest, Anvar termed the police action “administrative terrorism” and accused Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of orchestrating a politically motivated move against him.
"The Chief Minister's wish has been fulfilled. There seems to be no rule of law," said Anvar. "If I had been served a notice, I would have cooperated. Instead, they treated me like a gangster, creating a terror-like situation."
The arrest follows a protest organized by the Democratic Movement of Kerala, a collective spearheaded by Anvar. What began as a sit-in outside the DFO office escalated when a group of around ten protesters allegedly stormed the building, damaging furniture and property. Television footage showed protesters pushing back police officers and vandalizing the premises.
According to the FIR, approximately 40 individuals participated in the protest, with ten accused of trespassing and damaging public property. Charges under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act have been filed against those involved.
Anvar, who recently parted ways with the CPI(M)-led LDF coalition after leveling corruption allegations against the party and the Chief Minister, defended the protest as an emotional reaction to governmental negligence. He criticized delayed postmortem procedures for causing further distress to Mani’s family.
“The life of a person has been lost, and many more are at risk. There have been no effective interventions, and naturally, emotions ran high. This is a protest against the state’s inaction,” Anvar said.
State Forest Minister AK Saseendran justified the arrest, emphasizing that it was carried out lawfully and should not be politicized. However, opposition leaders, including Congress veteran Ramesh Chennithala, condemned the action.
“There is no justification for arresting an MLA for participating in a protest. This is administrative terrorism at its worst,” Chennithala said.
Anvar warned of repercussions, accusing the government of silencing dissent and stifling democracy. “If I survive this imprisonment, I will show them the consequences of their actions,” he declared, vowing to continue his fight against injustices.
The incident has sparked widespread debate over the government’s handling of human-wildlife conflicts and its response to political protests, further polarizing the political landscape in Kerala.