160 Youth Congress, SFI activists booked after violence near Kerala University hostel

Police have registered separate cases against 80 KSU/Youth Congress activists and 80 SFI/DYFI activists following a violent clash in Thiruvananthapuram’s Palayam area on Wednesday night.

The confrontation broke out when a Youth Congress/KSU protest march against the Union government and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar reached near the Kerala University men’s hostel. Youth Congress activists alleged that stones and other objects were thrown at the march from the hostel. SFI/DYFI activists, meanwhile, alleged that protesters hurled burning torches towards hostel inmates. Both claims are being investigated.

Police intervened and used tear gas and lathicharge to disperse the groups. Several students and others were reportedly injured during the violence and police action.

The Museum police booked 80 activists from each side under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Kerala Police Act, Kerala Public Way Restriction of Assemblies and Procession Act, and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. Police said the offences invoked are non-bailable and the accused will be summoned and arrested as part of the investigation.

Meanwhile, SFI launched statewide protests at educational institutions on Thursday. Its district committee also marched towards the state Secretariat and Cantonment police station, raising slogans against Youth Congress, KSU and the police. The march was stopped by police, after which SFI activists reportedly burned KSU flags.

Fresh update: The clash has triggered further political allegations, with leaders from the Congress, CPI(M) and BJP trading charges over the violence and subsequent police action.