Youth Congress-SFI clash: Police file non-bailable case; SFI plans state-wide protests
Police in Thiruvananthapuram have registered a non-bailable case against workers of the Youth Congress and the Students Federation of India (SFI) following violent clashes near Palayam on Wednesday night. The Museum Police filed charges after the incident, which saw both organizations accuse each other of triggering the violence by throwing stones and bottles.
The violence reportedly erupted near the University College men's hostel during a Youth Congress march towards Statue Junction on Wednesday evening, where the organization was demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The SFI accused Youth Congress and KSU workers of hurling flaming torches inside the hostel grounds when lights went out during a power cut. Subsequent police action inside the hostel grounds drew criticism from the SFI and senior CPI(M) leaders, including Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, who visited the site on Wednesday night and accused the Youth Congress of launching a planned attack.
In response to the police action, the SFI has called for state-wide protests against what it describes as police action against students. Protest marches will be held to the Secretariat and the offices of District Police Chiefs across Kerala.
