2 weeks ago
Four SFI activists remanded for manhandling Kerala university VC
Some college students in Kerala, India, were protesting at their university.
The leader of the university, called the Vice-Chancellor, said the students pushed her, stopped her from doing her job, and damaged her car.
Because of this, the police arrested four of the students and sent them to jail while they wait for their court case.
The students are part of a group called SFI, which is a student organization.
The Vice-Chancellor said the students bothered her near the elevator and at the university gate after a meeting.
The students say their protests are to protect student interests.
The university leaders say the students went too far and broke rules.
This happened at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit in a place called Kalady.
People are talking about how student protests should be done and how universities should be protected.
Four SFI activists were remanded to judicial custody after Vice-Chancellor Dr Ciza Thomas complained she was manhandled and harassed by protesting students.
The remanded activists are SFI state committee member Mebin Jose and university activists Basil, Yadu and Bineesh.
Thomas alleged students obstructed her official duties, damaged her official vehicle, and attacked Syndicate members and personal staff.
The incident occurred at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, after a Syndicate meeting, near the lift and the university gate.
The confrontation comes amid a more confrontational political environment on Kerala campuses since the change of government, with SFI stepping up actions under the V.D. Satheesan government.
- Who
- Four SFI activists (Mebin Jose, Basil, Yadu and Bineesh) and Vice-Chancellor Dr Ciza Thomas of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit.
- What
- Four SFI activists were remanded to judicial custody for allegedly manhandling and harassing the Vice-Chancellor during a protest.
- Where
- Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, Kerala.
- When
- Monday, when the activists were remanded to judicial custody.
- Why
- Following the Vice-Chancellor's complaint alleging physical assault, obstruction of duties, damage to her official vehicle, and harassment.
SFI and student activists
University administration
Purpose of protests
SFI and student activists
SFI maintains its protests are aimed at protecting student interests.
University administration
The administration takes a serious view of allegations of physical obstruction, assault and damage to official property.
Response to the incident
SFI and student activists
Sections traditionally sympathetic to the Left have remained silent, prompting questions about whether political considerations are influencing the response to student protests.
University administration
The authorities acted on the Vice-Chancellor's complaint, leading to arrests and judicial custody for the accused activists.
Key facts
- Remanded activists
- Mebin Jose, Basil, Yadu, Bineesh
- Vice-Chancellor
- Dr Ciza Thomas
- University
- Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady
- Custody type
- Judicial custody
- Accused listed by police
- 18 students, including girls
- Allegations
- Manhandling, harassment, obstruction, damage to official vehicle, attack on Syndicate members and staff
- Political context
- Change of government in Kerala; V.D. Satheesan government now in office
Sources
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