KOZHIKODE: In a disturbing incident at Gurudeva College of Advanced Studies in Quilandy, Kozhikode, the principal and a colleague were assaulted by members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI). The attack has left Principal Dr. Sunil Bhaskaran injured and hospitalized.
The confrontation reportedly began over disagreements related to the arrangement of a help desk for degree admissions. Principal Dr. Sunil Bhaskaran alleged that SFI members, along with some outsiders, attacked him and another professor, twisting their arms in the process. Both victims have been admitted to Quilandy Taluk Hospital for treatment. Dr. Bhaskaran stated that he plans to file a police complaint regarding the incident.
As news of the assault spread, SFI members attempted to counter the allegations by claiming that the principal and the professor had, in fact, attacked SFI members. In a bid to substantiate their claims, they arranged for the SFI taluk president to be admitted to the hospital as well.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of violence by SFI members against college principals, teachers, and professors. In 2016, SFI members made a mock grave for Dr N Sarasu on the day of her retirement as the principal of Victoria College in Palakkad. This act was controversially defended by CPM senior leader MA Baby as an “art installation.” Similarly, in January 2017, SFI members publicly burned the chair of the principal of Maharaja’s College in Kochi.
The SFI’s continued use of violence against academic officials mirrors the tactics of their political allies in the CPM. These attacks have raised concerns about the safety and security of educational professionals in Kerala, calling for urgent action from authorities to address and prevent such incidents.
