Kerala University Hostel Clash: Youth Congress and SFI Workers Face Off During Protest Against CEC

A protest march against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar escalated into a violent confrontation between Youth Congress and Students’ Federation of India (SFI) activists near a university hostel in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday evening. The incident involved stone-pelting and the throwing of burning objects, leading to police intervention and injuries among people involved in the confrontation.

The clash began at around 7:30 pm when a Youth Congress march reached the area near the University of Kerala men’s hostel at Palayam. The demonstration was part of a campaign demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. What followed was a prolonged confrontation that spread to nearby campus areas and drew a large police presence.

Conflicting Accounts Over How the Clash Began

The two groups have presented different accounts of the incident. Youth Congress workers alleged that stones and beer bottles were thrown at their procession from inside the hostel premises. They claimed the march was attacked as it passed the area.

SFI activists, however, accused the protesters of throwing burning torches into the hostel compound. The student organisation alleged that its members were targeted and that the police subsequently used excessive force against students.

The competing claims have made the sequence of events a central issue in the investigation. Reports indicate that objects were thrown from both sides as tensions escalated, while a parked vehicle and hostel windows were also reportedly affected by the incident.

Police Use Force to Control the Situation

Police personnel reached the area as the confrontation intensified. Officers used tear gas and batons to disperse groups and restore order. Police also entered the hostel premises during the operation, prompting further objections from student representatives.

Several activists and students were reportedly injured and taken for medical attention. Senior police officials visited the location as authorities attempted to bring the situation under control.

Kerala Police law and order chief P Vijayan said action would be initiated against those responsible for the violence. The police are examining the incident and the allegations made by both sides.

Cases Registered Against Activists

Police registered separate cases against 80 Youth Congress and Kerala Students’ Union (KSU) activists, as well as 80 SFI and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) activists.

The cases reportedly invoke provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Kerala Police Act and laws concerning public processions and damage to public property. Police said those named would be summoned or arrested as part of the legal process.

The SFI has also announced a statewide class boycott and protests at educational institutions, objecting to the police action inside the hostel.

Political Leaders React to the Incident

The clash triggered reactions from political leaders in Kerala. CPI(M) leaders criticised the police response, with Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan describing the incident as an attack on students and questioning the conduct of the police.

Youth Congress representatives maintained that their march was targeted first. The disagreement has added to political tensions surrounding the protest against Gyanesh Kumar.

A Protest That Raises Questions About Campus Safety

The incident has brought attention to the risks of political confrontations near educational institutions. While protests are a part of democratic participation, violence can endanger students, residents and people who are not involved in demonstrations.

With cases registered against members of both groups, the investigation will be important in establishing responsibility and clarifying the sequence of events. The immediate focus remains on maintaining peace around the campus and ensuring that those injured receive appropriate care.