Sivankutty, SFI Leaders Meet Chennithala, Allege Police Excess at University Hostel

Thiruvananthapuram: CPI(M) leader V Sivankutty and SFI office-bearers on Friday met Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala here and submitted a complaint alleging police highhandedness during clashes near the Kerala University men's hostel.

Police on Wednesday carried out a lathicharge after Youth Congress and SFI activists clashed near the university hostel.

Youth Congress leaders alleged that SFI activists pelted stones and bottles at their protest rally against the Election Commission and the Union government, while the SFI alleged that Youth Congress workers had initiated the attack.

The leaders met the Home Minister at a private hospital where he is undergoing treatment.

The SFI leaders sought action against two officers of the Cantonment police station, alleging that they had acted with political bias and used excessive force against SFI activists.

SFI state secretary P S Sanjeev told reporters that the actions of the Cantonment Circle Inspector and Sub Inspector over the past few days were "completely inhumane" and could not be accepted.

"We have clearly conveyed to the Home minister their actions, the visuals collected by the media, and their political leanings. We understand that he is convinced. Naturally, we have requested him to take the necessary action. He spoke with full understanding of the matter and responded very positively," he said.

"We will go on an indefinite strike. We will only back down if they are completely transferred from there," Sanjeev added.

SFI and CPI(M) held protests across Keralam on Thursday against the lathicharge at the university hostel.

DYFI activists blocked the vehicle of Sports Minister O J Janeesh, who is also the Youth Congress state president, at various places in Kannur and Kasaragod on Thursday in protest against the police action.