Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 30 A major clash broke out between Youth Congress and SFI workers near the University Men’s Hostel here on Wednesday evening, with both sides throwing stones and flaming torches at each other, forcing police to use tear gas and enter the hostel to bring the situation under control.
The violence erupted after a Youth Congress march towards the AG’s office, seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. When the march reached in front of the University College hostel, stone-pelting and the throwing of flaming torches were reported between the two groups.
After the march, Youth Congress workers moved towards the hostel, where SFI workers were present. Stones were thrown towards the hostel, following which SFI workers retaliated, leading to a prolonged confrontation.
The situation also spread to the nearby University College campus, where Youth Congress workers allegedly entered the premises and damaged some boards.
A large police contingent was rushed to the area as the situation continued to worsen. Police used tear gas several times and repeatedly asked the protesters to disperse. Additional personnel were brought to the spot.
Police later entered the Men’s Hostel, which has a strong SFI presence. Police used batons against students who were present at the hostel. The students protested against the police action and demanded that the personnel leave the hostel.
SFI state secretary P S Sanjeev, who reached the spot after hearing about the incident, protested against the police intervention.
The situation outside the hostel also remained tense, with Youth Congress workers on one side, SFI workers inside the hostel and police personnel positioned between the two groups.
Ambulances were also seen moving through the area as police tried to clear the roads.
ADGP P Vijayan said strong action would be taken in the night itself against those involved in the violence.
Sanjeev alleged that Youth Congress workers provoked students by throwing sticks, stones and a flaming torch towards the hostel, leading to the clash.
Sanjeev said police personnel, including senior officers, arrived at the spot after the violence began and sought the help of SFI workers to prevent a fire after a flaming object landed inside the campus.
He claimed that SFI workers helped move students away and put out the fire with the assistance of police.
He alleged that Youth Congress workers later returned in large numbers and started throwing stones at the hostel.
Sanjeev also accused the police of using excessive force against students inside the campus.
He alleged that some students suffered head injuries and other injuries during the police action.
The allegations could not be independently verified immediately.
(PTI News)
