Kerala hartal: Widespread protests and vehicle blockades mark statewide strike over Nithin Raj death
Thiruvananthapuram: Intense protests erupted across Kerala on Tuesday during the statewide strike (hartal) called to demand justice for Nithin Raj, a BDS student found dead at Anjarakandy Dental College. Protesters blocked Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private vehicles in multiple districts, while shops and businesses remained largely shuttered.
In Thampanoor here, heated arguments broke out between protesters and stranded passengers. Similar blockades were reported in Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Idukki and Palakkad. While police intervened in several locations to facilitate traffic, protesters alleged that the government was actively attempting to sabotage the strike.
In Mundakkayam of Kottayam, protesters briefly halted KSRTC and private vehicles before allowing them to pass. Shops are completely closed, and private buses and auto-rickshaws have stayed off the roads. Protesters also forced the closure of a Muthoot Finance branch in Kottayam town.
Vehicles on the Kottayam–Kumily road were stopped for several minutes in Ponkunnam. While some KSRTC long-distance services to Ernakulam and Kozhikode are operating, ordinary services are minimal.
Protests were staged in front of the Palakkad Stadium Bus Stand. In Perambra (Kozhikode) and Pazhayangadi (Kannur), police had to intervene to release vehicles blocked by supporters.
Reports of vehicle blockades also emerged from Parappa Chullikkara (Kasaragod), Mulavana (Kundara, Kollam), and various parts of Idukki.
The 12-hour strike, running from 6 am to 6 pm, was called by Dalit organisations and the Nithin Raj Action Council. The council is demanding a murder investigation into the student's death, ₹10 crore in compensation, the cancellation of the college’s accreditation and the removal of the Kannur SP.
Essential services and the areas affected by the recent fireworks tragedy in Thrissur remain exempt from the strike.