Kozhikode: The Calicut University campus has been shut down indefinitely following violent clashes during the vote-counting process for the university union elections. All academic activities have been suspended, and students have been directed to vacate hostels immediately.

The decision was announced late Friday night after escalating tensions between student groups led to police action and multiple injuries. According to Vice Chancellor Dr P Raveendran, the campus will remain closed “until further notice” to restore law and order and ensure the safety of students.

What triggered the campus shutdown?

The unrest began during the vote-counting phase of the DSU elections when members of the UDSF (University Department Students Federation) reportedly objected to the inclusion of about 25 ballot papers that lacked the returning officer’s signature. The demand to discard these ballots led to a heated dispute.

Allegations emerged that UDSF counting agents threw ballot papers out of the box in protest. When members of the SFI (Students’ Federation of India) attempted to stop them, physical altercations broke out, resulting in injuries.

Violence and police action

The situation escalated quickly into full-blown clashes between UDSF and SFI members. Police were forced to intervene with a lathi-charge to disperse the crowds. Over 20 people, including students and several police officers, sustained injuries due to the violence and stone-pelting.

Hostels also ordered shut

Alongside the campus closure, the university hostels have also been ordered to shut down, with students being instructed to vacate immediately.