KALADY: Four Students’ Federation of India (SFI) activists have been arrested in connection with the August 13 violence at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit in Kalady, where Vice-Chancellor Dr Ciza Thomas was allegedly assaulted and subjected to an abusive mock funeral by protesting students. The arrests come amid mounting criticism over the alleged campus intimidation and demands from vice-chancellors across Kerala for strict action against those responsible.
The arrested SFI men have been identified as Mevin, Yedukrishnan, Basil and Vijeesh. Police have also registered cases against 79 SFI activists in connection with the violence and for allegedly obstructing police personnel from discharging their duties.
The incident occurred after a University Syndicate meeting on August 13, when Dr Ciza Thomas came out of the administrative block. According to her account, a mob of more than 200 people surrounded her, physically assaulted her and prevented her from leaving the campus. She said she was pushed and cornered, repeatedly punched on the head and had her hair pulled violently. Her official vehicle was also badly damaged in the attack.
Earlier that day, SFI activists had staged a mock funeral for the Vice-Chancellor near the university administrative office. Her personal staff and Syndicate members were also attacked during the confrontation. Police have registered separate cases in connection with the protest and the complaint submitted by the Vice-Chancellor. Recent reports said the investigation into the alleged manhandling of Dr Ciza Thomas was still underway.
Dr Ciza Thomas subsequently submitted complaints to Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, Home Minister, Higher Education Minister, State Police Chief and Higher Education Secretary, detailing the violence and the security lapse. She also informed Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar that police personnel were present at the campus but failed to take preventive measures to protect her and the Syndicate members.
The Vice-Chancellor also told the Governor that outsiders were among the violent mob. Dr Ciza Thomas is the Vice-Chancellor of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University and holds the additional charge of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit entrusted to her by the Governor.
After learning about the incident, Governor Arlekar called the Vice-Chancellor and enquired about her physical and health condition.
On August 16, the Governor summoned the State Police Chief to Lok Bhavan and directed strict legal action against those involved in the physical intimidation and aggressive demonstration. He also directed the authorities to address the security lapse and identify those responsible through video footage before taking firm legal action.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from academic circles and political leaders over the growing use of intimidation on university campuses. Vice-chancellors across Kerala have jointly condemned the violence and demanded immediate and strict action against those responsible.
Despite the attack, Dr Ciza Thomas said the SFI violence would not deter her from discharging her duties, stating that she had been assigned the responsibility by the Governor.
The incident has also raised questions over the functioning of the police under the newly elected Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government headed by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. Satheesan took charge as Chief Minister in May 2026 after the UDF replaced the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government.
Dr Ciza Thomas has pointed out that a police team led by a Deputy Superintendent was present on the campus when the SFI violence took place, but failed to prevent the mob from attacking her and others. She said CCTV footage would be examined and the identities of those involved would be handed over to the police for further action.
