Thiruvananthapuram: Tensions escalated in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday night when a Youth Congress protest march demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar turned violent near the Kerala University men’s hostel.
The confrontation began around 7.30 pm as the march reached the University College and hostel area. Youth Congress workers alleged that stones and bottles were thrown at the procession from inside the hostel. SFI members, however, gave a different account and alleged that protesters threw stones, sticks and burning torches towards the hostel. Both sides subsequently exchanged stones and the situation rapidly escalated.
Burning torches reportedly landed inside the hostel compound, including near a parked vehicle and windows. The violence also spread towards the University College premises, where some protesters allegedly entered the campus and damaged flex boards.
A large police contingent was deployed as the confrontation continued. Police used tear gas outside the hostel and later entered the premises, where a lathicharge was carried out to disperse students. Several students and police personnel were reported injured during the clashes.
Law and order ADGP P Vijayan reached the location as authorities worked to bring the situation under control. Police subsequently maintained a heavy presence around University College and the hostel.
The incident triggered a political confrontation as senior CPI(M) leaders criticised the police action and demanded impartial treatment of students. Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan and other party leaders also reached the hostel and protested against the lathicharge.
SFI announced a statewide class boycott for Thursday along with protests at the Secretariat and police headquarters. KSU leaders, meanwhile, demanded action against those allegedly involved in the violence.
The Youth Congress march was part of a wider campaign seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
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