Four SFI activists arrested over protest at Sanskrit University in Kerala's Kalady

Four SFI activists were arrested in connection with a recent protest at the Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit in Kalady near here, during which Vice-Chancellor Ciza Thomas alleged that she was manhandled, police said.

The arrested were identified as Mebin, Basil, Yadhu and Vijesh.

According to police, two cases were registered following the SFI protest on August 13 over alleged lack of facilities on campus.

The first case was registered against 78 people for allegedly clashing with police while protesting near the administrative block, where a Syndicate meeting was being held that day.

A separate case was registered on Sunday based on a complaint lodged by Thomas, who alleged that SFI activists manhandled her and Syndicate members during the protest.

Police said this case was registered against 18 people, including theatre students who staged a symbolic last rite protest near the administrative office.

The four arrested are accused in the first case relating to the alleged clash with police during the protest, officials said. The investigation into the allegation of manhandling the vice-chancellor has only begun, police said.

Following the protest, vice-chancellors of all universities in Kerala issued a joint statement condemning the incident. Higher Education Minister Roji M John had also criticised the SFI over the protest.

The SFI has announced a strike at the campus on Monday. SFI is the student wing of the CPI(M).

(Inputs from PTI)