Tensions rise between SFI and police in Thiruvananthapuram

Tensions between the Students’ Federation of India and police in Thiruvananthapuram intensified on Sunday following protests and a police visit to the home of an SFI leader. A police team led by Cantonment Station House Officer Satheesh Kumar went to the residence of SFI district secretary M.A. Nandan, apparently looking for him.

Nandan was away attending a press conference when the officers arrived. Local Communist Party of India (Marxist) activists intervened, and the police reportedly did not search inside the house. Police have not formally explained the purpose of the visit, although sources cited in the report linked it to cases arising from recent protests involving Nandan.

The visit followed protests outside the homes of the station house officer and Cantonment sub-inspector Gokul Gopan. The demonstrations were organised after an alleged phone conversation in which Gopan reportedly threatened Nandan. City police arrested three SFI activists late on Saturday over a clash between SFI and Youth Congress workers.

The accused included the SFI unit secretary at the University Hostel. Police registered cases against 160 people under non-bailable sections, including 80 SFI activists and 80 Youth Congress and KSU workers. District Police Chief Arul R.B.

Krishna said an inquiry was under way into the alleged phone conversation. He said police would continue to perform their duties according to law. He also said six people had been identified over an attack on the Thiruvananthapuram District Congress Committee office; one had been arrested and remanded.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala urged political leaders to exercise restraint and opposed demonstrations outside police personnel’s homes. He said intimidation and assault of officers would not be tolerated, while alleged police misconduct would also be investigated and punished if established.