KANNAPURAM, Kerala — Writer and social critic V.S. Anilkumar discovered a funeral wreath at the gate of his residence in the Marutham area on Thursday morning. He spotted it while opening the gate to send his son to football coaching.

Anilkumar, son of the late professor M.N. Vijayan, alerted Kannapuram police right away. Officers registered a case and launched an investigation into what many see as a targeted threat.

The wreath’s placement carries heavy symbolism in Kerala, where such acts have long signaled death threats against political foes, especially in Kannur district. Police are probing possible links to Anilkumar’s recent activities. He attended the launch of Nethruthtwathine Anikal Thiruthanam (The Leadership Must Be Corrected by the People), a book by CPI(M) dissident V. Kunjikrishnan, last week. Anilkumar has also slammed CPI(M) leadership on social media and at the event.

“I have no fear at all,” Anilkumar told reporters. “Have been living for a long time now, so the question of fear doesn’t exist.”

Kunhikrishnan, expelled from CPI(M) after exposing alleged fund swindling tied to a party martyr in Kannur, pointed fingers without hesitation. “No one has any doubt about who has done this,” he said.

Investigators are reviewing past Kannur cases where wreaths intimidated critics. One officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, called the act “a classic tactic to silence dissent.” No arrests have occurred yet. Police checked local CCTV footage and questioned neighbors by afternoon.

Anilkumar’s family stayed calm amid a growing crowd outside their home. Supporters gathered, some carrying placards demanding justice. Local CPI(M) leaders stayed silent so far, according to party insiders.

Kerala’s opposition parties seized on the episode. Congress leaders in Kannur condemned it as “goonda raj” by the ruling Left. BJP state chief K. Surendran tweeted that the wreath proves CPI(M)’s intolerance for criticism ahead of local polls.

Analysts link the threat to rising tensions in Kannur, a CPI(M) stronghold with a violent political history. “Wreaths aren’t pranks here—they’re warnings,” said political observer T.P. Ramakrishnan. He noted similar incidents targeting dissidents during party purges.

Kunjikrishnan’s book accuses CPI(M)’s Kannur unit of corruption in handling funds for a slain comrade. His ouster fueled debates on internal democracy. Anilkumar’s endorsement amplified those voices.

Police promised quick results. Station House Officer Biju K. said teams are tracing the wreath’s origin, including floral suppliers nearby. Forensic experts examined the site for fingerprints and DNA.

The case unfolds as Kerala gears up for local body elections in coming months. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s government faces scrutiny over law and order in northern districts. Human rights groups called for a special probe team from state headquarters.

Anilkumar returned to routine after filing the complaint. He plans more writings on political issues, undeterred. “Truth can’t be threatened away,” he added.

Residents in Marutham expressed shock. One neighbor, Lakshmi Devi, said, “We’ve seen violence before, but this feels personal.” Community leaders urged calm while backing the probe.

By evening, the wreath had been removed. Police cordoned the area. The investigation continues, with leads pointing to local political rivalries.