SFI-police face-off intensifies after ‘inspection’ at SFI leader’s home and protest outside police officers’ residences

Tensions between the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the police in Thiruvananthapuram intensified on Sunday, a day after an alleged threat by Cantonment sub-inspector Gokul surfaced in the aftermath of the recent clash between Youth Congress workers and SFI activists in the capital city.

While the purported communication by the police officer sparked further protests at the houses of the Cantonment Station House Officer (SHO) Satheesh Kumar and the sub-inspector, a subsequent “inspection” at the residence of SFI district secretary M.A. Nandan did little to de-escalate the situation.

A police team led by the Cantonment SHO reached Mr. Nandan’s house apparently in search of him, while he was not at home. The SFI leader was holding a press conference at Vanchiyoor when the police operation took place. While local CPI(M) activists intervened after the police team arrived, the officers reportedly did not proceed with a search inside the house. While the police have not formally disclosed the reason for the inspection, sources indicated that it was connected to cases registered in connection with protests in which the SFI leader had participated in recent times.

Activists arrested

Meanwhile, the City police arrested three SFI activists late on Saturday in connection with the clash between SFI and Youth Congress workers. The accused include Sreejith, secretary of the SFI unit at the University Hostel. The Cantonment police had registered cases against 160 people under non-bailable sections. Those booked include 80 SFI activists and 80 Youth Congress and KSU workers, including district-level office-bearers.

District Police Chief (Thiruvananthapuram City) Arul R.B. Krishna said an inquiry is underway into the alleged phone conversation between the Cantonment sub-inspector and Mr. Nandan, during which the former allegedly threatened the SFI leader. Responding to the protest marches organised to the residences of police officers, he maintained that the police would continue to perform their duties in accordance with the law.

He also informed that six persons have been identified in connection with the recent attack on the Thiruvananthapuram District Congress Committee (DCC) office. One accused has been arrested and remanded, while efforts are underway to apprehend the other persons. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala urged political leaders to exercise restraint to restore normalcy in the region. He also strongly opposed demonstrations outside the residences of police personnel. Mr. Chennithala also stressed that the government would not tolerate intimidation, assault or abuse of police officers. He, however, made it clear that police misconduct would also be investigated and that action would be taken if officers were found to have violated the law.