SFI activists unleash violence, police stood watching while woman activist was brutally beaten at night, video circulates

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A SFI-KSU conflict erupted during the art programmes held as part of the union inauguration in Thiruvananthapuram Law College. KSU Unit President Safna Yakoob was brutally beaten up by SFI activists in front of the college gate. The visuals of the incident have come out. Safna, who was hit and fell to the ground, being pulled and dragged by the SFI activists is evident in the footage. The violence erupted around 8:30 last night, while the police were watching.

Safna Yakoob, KSU general secretary Ashique Ashraf and Nithin Thampi were injured in the clash. SFI unit committee member Anandhu’s hand was broken. The injured were admitted to the Medical College Hospital. Meantime, SFI leaders have said that they did not beat Safna. KSU activists passed comments on SFI girls, which we questioned and that led to the clash, SFI district secretary J J Abhijith told Kerala Kaumudi. However, KSU alleged that some drunk SFI activists, who came to the programme after the inauguration, led the attacks. We have evidence including the CCTV footage showing Safna being beaten up, they added. Minister Mohammad Riyaz and MLA V K Prashanth had attended the inauguration ceremony. The Law College authorities have not responded in the matter.

Conflict in Medical College as well

SFI-KSU activists clashed in the Medical College Hospital as well. KSU activists, who sought treatment in the hospital, were attacked with helmets by SFI activists, alleged KSU. A group of 30 SFI activists from University College had stationed themselves in front of Medical College, following which police were deployed in the area. The activists were sent back by the police around midnight. Even though the SFI had won in the recent union elections, the vice chairperson post was won by KSU after years. For the past few days, both sides have had arguments in the campus over the election victory.