SFI’s secretariat march turns violent in capital city; police resort to lathicharge

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A clash broke out during a march staged by SFI activists to the Secretariat in protest against police action at the Kerala University. The situation escalated after the police stopped the march by putting up barricades. The protesters, raising slogans, then attempted to pull down the barricades. As the police and activists engaged in pushing and shoving, the police resorted to a lathi charge. The police also used water cannons, but the protesters refused to disperse.

SFI state secretary Sanjeev suffered physical discomfort and was shifted to the hospital. A tense situation prevails in front of the Secretariat. The SFI had yesterday staged a protest over the Vande Mataram controversy. Several activists, including women, were injured in the police action. The Secretariat march staged today was in protest against the police action.