Political observer Joseph C. Mathew releasing a book authored by V. Kunhikrishnan, former Kannur district committee of the CPI(M), at Payyannur. The first copy was handed over to writer V.S. Anil Kumar. (file)
| Photo Credit: special arrangement
A wreath was found placed outside the residence of writer and cultural activist V.S. Anil Kumar at Kannapuram in Kannur, Kerala, on Thursday morning, triggering a police investigation amid an ongoing controversy linked to a recently released book.
The wreath was discovered near the gate of his house. Following a complaint lodged by Mr. Anil Kumar, the Kannapuram police registered a case and began inquiries. The police suspect the incident may be connected to the recent cyber attacks and online threats targeting him.
Mr. Anil Kumar, the son of noted Malayalam literary critic and left intellectual M.N. Vijayan, has been facing backlash after formally receiving and releasing a controversial book authored by Payyannur-based CPI(M) rebel leader V. Kunhikrishnan. The book calls on party cadres to rectify what it terms leadership deviation within the party.
The publication was handed over to Mr. Anil Kumar by former IT adviser to the Chief Minister, Joseph C. Mathew, during a function marking its release. The event and its political undertones sparked sharp reaction on social media with supporters of the CPI(M) launching coordinated online criticism against Mr. Kunhikrishnan, Mr. Mathew and Mr. Anil Kumar.
Police officials said they were examining whether the placement of the wreath was intended as an act of intimidation linked to the online campaign. Further investigation is under way.
Published – February 19, 2026 10:31 am IST
