Kerala police register non-bailable case after Youth Congress-SFI clashes
Police in Thiruvananthapuram have registered a case under non-bailable provisions against Youth Congress and SFI workers after violence near Palayam. SFI has announced statewide protests, while rival groups blame one another for stone- and bottle-throwing during a march seeking the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation.
Police in Thiruvananthapuram have registered a case under non-bailable provisions against workers of the Youth Congress and the Students Federation of India after clashes near Palayam. The violence reportedly began near the University College men’s hostel during a Youth Congress march towards Statue Junction on Wednesday evening. The march was demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Youth Congress and SFI activists have blamed one another for starting the violence, with both sides alleging that stones and bottles were thrown. The SFI also accused Youth Congress and KSU workers of throwing flaming torches into the hostel grounds during a power cut. Police action inside the hostel grounds drew criticism from SFI and senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leaders.
Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan visited the hostel on Wednesday night and said there had been no provocation by SFI activists or residents. He accused the Youth Congress of launching a planned attack. The SFI has called statewide protests against the police action.
It said marches would be held to the Secretariat and the offices of District Police Chiefs. CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam and MLA G.R. Anil visited the hostel on Thursday morning.
The source material does not give details of injuries, arrests or specific charges beyond the registration of the case.
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