SFI, KSU activists booked over Thottada ITI clash in Kerala’s Kannur

Kerala Opposition Leader VD Satheesan visiting KSU activist Muhammed Ribin who was injured in the violence involving Students Federation of India (SFI) and Kerala Students Union at Thottada ITI, Kannur, on December 11, 2024. | Photo Credit: Special Editing

The police have registered three cases against the activists of the Students Federation of India (SFI) and the Kerala Students Union (KSU) in connection with the violent dispute at Thottada ITI in Kannur, Kerala, on Wednesday (December 11, 2024).

The clash took place after KSU activists hoisted their flag on the campus, leading to a violent confrontation. The police resorted to lathicharge to control the situation.

Edakkad police arrested 11 SFI activists on the complaint of KSU activist Muhammed Ribin, who was injured during the clash and was being treated at a private hospital. They are facing charges under sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 189(2), 191(2), 191(3), 126(2), 351(3), 115(2), 118(1) , 118(2), 110, and 190.

Similarly, five KSU activists and five unidentified persons were booked based on the complaint of injured SFI activist M. Aashique, under the same BNS categories.

Further, the police have registered a suo motu case against 17 activists from both the groups under BNS 194(2) and Kerala Police Act 2011 117(e) for obstructing officials and threatening them.

The center is temporarily closed

The principal of Thottada ITI has announced that the institute will remain closed until further notice due to the tension between the student organizations. The PTA board meeting scheduled for December 12 has been postponed.

Meanwhile, the police decided to hold a meeting of all groups to resolve the situation.

In response to the violence, KSU has called for a protest and a State-wide strike in all campuses in Kannur district on Thursday, including professional colleges, which will remain closed.