No shoot order against Ayanki, says Chennithala

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has denied reports that he ordered police to shoot the fugitive history-sheeter Arjun Ayanki.Speaking to reporters here on Saturday, Mr. Chennithala said police were only told to arrest Ayanki, and not to shoot him.He was responding to questions about a Facebook post by Ayanki in which he said he would not kneel even if he was shot.“People will say many things. Let’s see,” Mr. Chennithala said.The police are searching for Ayanki, who is facing criminal cases and is reportedly in hiding.Mr. Chennithala said the second phase of Operation Toofan, the State’s anti-drug drive, would begin after Onam.More than 9,200 people were arrested, over 7,000 cases registered, and drugs worth more than ₹100 crore seized during the first phase.The next phase will be carried