Kanhangad, Kasaragod: Sandeep Varier, UDF candidate for the Thrikaripur constituency in the district, was allegedly attacked by activists of Students Federation of India (SFI) during an election campaign visit to Nehru College in Kanhangad on Monday.

Varier reportedly experienced physical discomfort following the incident and was admitted to a private hospital in Thrikkaripur for treatment.

Police have registered a case against around 25 SFI activists in connection with the clash, according to officials from Hosdurg Police.

The confrontation happened while a college union programme was underway on campus. SFI activists allegedly objected to the UDF team entering the college for canvassing, stating that campaigning was not permitted during the event.

Varier and his team reportedly told them they would leave after briefly meeting students, following which they entered the campus.

Tensions escalated near the college auditorium when an individual identified as Lukman, who was recording the events on video, was allegedly assaulted by SFI activists, leaving him injured with a bleeding lip.

Seeing this, Varier rushed to the spot, but more SFI activists gathered and attempted to force him out of the campus, leading to further confrontation.

Several activists from the Kerala Students Union (KSU), who were part of Varier’s team, also sustained injuries in the clash.