Kerala University Protest: Case Filed Against SFI Activists Following Violent Clashes

Following a disruptive protest at Kerala University, authorities have filed a case against 27 activists from the Students Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the ruling CPM. Among those charged is state secretary P.S. Sanjeev, who is identified as the primary accused. The charges include damage to public property, unauthorized entry onto university grounds, and assault against police and university personnel. Approximately 1,000 additional protestors are also identified in the case. Police have invoked non-bailable charges under various legal statutes. The protest, which involved breaking through the university gates, was directed against Governor Rajendra Arlekar and stemmed from the SFI's opposition to the perceived 'saffronisation' of the university. The incident led to confrontations between activists and law enforcement, with police subsequently detaining the protestors. The controversy was further fueled by the SFI's objection to the use of a 'Bharat Mata' image at a university event and the suspension of Vice Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal. The Governor had appointed Ciza Thomas, the Vice Chancellor of Kerala Digital University, as the Vice Chancellor-in-Charge during the absence of Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal.