Thiruvananthapuram: Tension gripped the Kerala University senate campus as Students’ Federation of India (SFI) activists staged demonstrations against Vice Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal, accusing him of pushing the agenda of the Sangh Parivar.

The protesters marched to the University headquarters, calling for the appointment of a permanent vice chancellor in place of the interim VC. They also demanded action against C N Vijayakumari, Dean of the Sanskrit Department, who was recently booked by police for allegedly making casteist remarks against a research student.

Despite police barricades at the main gate, protesters scaled the campus wall to enter the compound. Law enforcement resorted to water cannons multiple times to disperse the crowd.

When the VC emerged after a syndicate meeting, SFI activists blocked his car and raised slogans. Police attempts to clear the path were unsuccessful, and the vehicle eventually left the campus under escort.

Speaking to reporters, SFI district leaders said their protest was part of ongoing agitations against Kunnummal, whom they allege is attempting to implement the Sangh Parivar agenda.

At the same time, Left syndicate members staged a protest inside the campus, demanding action against the Dean, who allegedly refused to sign a research scholar’s thesis and made casteist remarks.

Sreekaryam Police had filed a case against C N Vijayakumari, Head of the Sanskrit Department and Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Studies on the Kariavattom campus.
PTI