Malappuram: Independent Kerala legislator P V Anvar, arrested for allegedly vandalising the District Forest Office (DFO) in Nilambur, was granted bail by the Nilambur Judicial First Class Magistrate Court on Monday.

According to police, the Nilambur MLA vandalised the office during a protest against the death of a tribal man, Mani, who was killed in an elephant attack in the district.

A police team arrested Anvar at his residence in Othayi on Sunday night. Speaking to the media, Anvar criticised the arrest, describing it as "administrative terrorism."

“I was treated like a gangster, with the police creating a terror-like situation. If I had been served a notice, I would have willingly appeared,” Anvar said. He also accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of orchestrating the arrest, claiming it fulfilled the CM’s “personal vendetta.”

The MLA said he would abide by the law but issued a stern warning: “If I survive imprisonment, I will show what would happen.”

Anvar, who represents the Nilambur constituency, recently left the CPI(M)-led LDF after accusing the Left government and CM Vijayan of corruption.

Protest over elephant attack

Earlier, Anvar criticised the state government and the forest department over the death of Mani, alleging negligence in addressing man-animal conflicts. Workers of the Democratic Movement of Kerala (DMK), led by Anvar, protested outside the forest office, blaming wildlife officials for failing to prevent such incidents.

Police said about 10 protesters trespassed into the North DFO office and vandalised the premises. Television footage showed DMK workers pushing policemen and damaging office property.

Police action and legal charges

An FIR filed by Nilambur police stated that around 40 protesters staged a sit-in, with 10 of them later trespassing into the DFO office and damaging furniture. The group was also accused of obstructing public servants, including police officers.

Anvar and 10 others were booked under various sections of the IPC and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

Following the case registration, police arrived at Anvar’s residence to arrest him. Supporters of the MLA protested at the site, raising slogans against the CM and the police.

Political reactions
The arrest drew criticism from Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, who termed it “administrative terrorism.”

“There was no justification for arresting an MLA at midnight for participating in a protest. This is a serious lapse by the police,” Chennithala said.

Meanwhile, State Forest Minister A K Saseendran defended the arrest, stating it was carried out lawfully and unrelated to other incidents.

“The police action is in accordance with the law,” Saseendran said.

Anvar also alleged that post-mortem procedures for Mani were delayed intentionally and accused the forest minister of failing to visit the bereaved family. He described the protests as a natural emotional reaction to the tragedy.