Kochi

Notorious criminal Maradu Aneesh, wanted in multiple cases across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, was arrested in Kochi on Thursday, police said.

Aneesh, whose real name is Aneesh Antony and who hails from Maradu, was taken into custody from a house at Panambukad near Vallarpadam. Police said he was found at the location while officers from the Mulavukkad police station were searching the area in connection with another criminal case registered in the city.

According to police sources, Aneesh had been in hiding after teams from Tamil Nadu recently arrived in Kochi to trace him in connection with a robbery case registered at the Chavadi police station near Coimbatore, allegedly involving members of his gang.

He was initially detained and later formally arrested by the Ernakulam Central police in a pending criminal case. Aneesh was subsequently produced before a court, which remanded him to judicial custody.

The Ernakulam Central police have informed their counterparts in Tamil Nadu about the arrest. Officials from Tamil Nadu are expected to approach the court seeking his custody for further investigation, police said.

Investigators said Aneesh is believed to be the leader of a criminal gang that operated extensively in Kochi for several years before expanding its activities to Tamil Nadu. His alleged involvement includes various criminal offences and the smuggling of spirit used in the manufacture of illicit liquor.

READ MORE: Osama played Oud and stole the show at New Delhi World Book Fair

Police also noted that Aneesh and members of his gang enjoy significant visibility on social media platforms, with videos and interviews related to him drawing substantial viewership.