SFI Activists Face Charges After Kerala University Protest Against Governor

Legal action has been initiated against 27 members of the SFI, including their state secretary P.S. Sanjeev, following a protest at Kerala University that turned violent. The police investigation has resulted in charges related to property damage, unlawful campus entry, and physical assault. An estimated 1,000 additional protestors are also implicated. The charges are filed under the Indian Penal Code and relevant state laws. The demonstration targeted Governor Rajendra Arlekar, with the SFI alleging attempts to ‘saffronise’ the university. The protest escalated when activists breached the university gates, leading to clashes with the police. The core issues driving the protest were the use of a ‘Bharat Mata’ image in a university function and the suspension of the Vice Chancellor, Mohanan Kunnummal. Governor Arlekar had appointed Dr. Ciza Thomas as the acting Vice Chancellor.