SFI-KSU late-night clash rocks capital city; Police lathi-charge and fire tear gas

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Students' Federation of India (SFI) clashed with members of Kerala Students Union (KSU) in the capital city on late Monday night following Kerala University Union elections. SFI won the elections with a huge margin.

The clash first broke out during a victory parade by SFI after members alleged that KSU activists pelted stones and attacked a police vehicle. The police, who reached the spot, lathi-charged several times. The police used water cannon and tear gas to disperse the activists. CPM activists, including M.V. Jayarajan and A.A. Rahim, MP, reached the spot.

The SFI retained the union by winning 35 out of the total 37 seats in the Kerala University Union elections. SFI's Shiva S was elected as the Kerala University Union Chairman. KSU won only one of the three vice-chairperson posts. KSU's Fathima Farha retained the vice-chairperson post. In addition to the vice-chairperson post, KSU also won the Accounts Committee post.