Youth Congress and SFI clashes: Police register non-bailable case; SFI calls for statewide protests in Kerala

Violence reportedly erupted first near the University College men’s hostel during a Youth Congress march towards Statue Junction on Wednesday evening demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar | Photo credit: NIRMAL HARINDRAN

The museum police have registered a case on non-bailable charges against Youth Congress and Students Federation of India (SFI) workers over the violent incidents witnessed near Palayam in the Kerala capital on Wednesday evening.

The SFI called for nationwide protests against the police action against the students and accused the Youth Congress of organizing the violence. Protest marches will be held at the secretariat and the offices of district police directors.

The violence reportedly first broke out near the University College men’s hostel during a Youth Congress march towards Statue Junction on Wednesday evening demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Youth Congress and SFI activists accused each other of inciting violence by throwing stones and bottles. The SFI accused the Youth Congress and KSU workers of throwing burning torches inside the hostel premises when the lights went out during the power cut.

The subsequent police action in the hostel premises drew sharp criticism from the SFI and senior CPI(M) leaders. Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, who visited the hostel on Wednesday evening, said there was no provocation by SFI activists or hostel residents. He blamed the Youth Congress for launching the attack and called it planned.

Communist Party of India (CPI) state secretary Binoy Viswam and GR Anil, MLA, visited the hostel on Thursday morning.

Published – October 1, 2026 10:21 AM IST