Lawyers, SFI activists clash in Kerala's Ernakulam, police begin probe

IANS April 11, 2025 171 views

A heated confrontation erupted between lawyers and SFI student activists in Ernakulam, resulting in multiple injuries and hospitalizations. The incident occurred during the Ernakulam Bar Association's annual event near Maharaja's College. Both sides blame each other for initiating the violence, with conflicting narratives about the trigger. Local police have begun an investigation to determine the sequence of events and responsible parties.

"The SFI today is on a rampage, and everywhere they create problems" - V.D. Satheesan, Leader of Opposition
Kochi, April 11: The Kerala Police, on Friday, launched a probe into a clash between lawyers and students of the CPI(M)-backed Students' Federation of India (SFI).

Key Points

1

Kerala Police launch probe into violent lawyer-student clash

2

Ernakulam Bar Association annual event turns violent

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Multiple injuries reported on both sides

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Opposition demands CPI(M) control SFI activists

The clash took place close to Thursday midnight in Ernakulam, which left several lawyers and students injured. A few police officials who intervened were also injured. Some of the injured were admitted to various hospitals in Kochi.

While both the parties blame each other for creating a ruckus, the local police are going forward cautiously.

The Ernakulam Bar Association (EBA) was holding its annual day event at the premises of its headquarters. On one side of the EBA building is the Ernakulam District Court complex, and on the other is the state-run Maharaja's College.

An EBA office-bearer said that every year, during their annual get-together, a good number of these students come and have food from the counters.

"This time, after having food, they started to create a ruckus when the music programme was going on. We objected to their unruly behaviour. During this, we were attacked by the students who came in big numbers. Many of our members were attacked," said the EBA official.

A student, however, said they were attacked by the lawyers who were in an inebriated condition, and in the process, a few students suffered injuries.

Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan said it's high time the CPI(M) stepped in and reined in their 'unruly' student outfit -- the SFI activists.

"The SFI today is on a rampage, and everywhere they create problems. Hours before the SFI students created a ruckus in the Court premises when the function was going on, their fellow student activists created trouble in the state capital city, attacking our student union members soon after the results of the Kerala University Union election results were announced. The ruling CPI(M) has to step in and rein them," said Satheesan.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is so disappointing to see. Both lawyers and students should know better than to resort to violence. Hope the injured recover soon. 🙏
R
Rahul M.
As someone who studied at Maharaja's, this isn't the first time SFI has caused trouble near the college. The authorities need to take strict action.
A
Anjali S.
While I don't condone violence, the article seems one-sided. Only the lawyers' version is detailed while the students' account is just one line. More balanced reporting would help.
V
Vikram P.
SFI activists have become a law unto themselves. Time for CPI(M) to take responsibility for their student wing's actions. This is getting out of hand!
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Sneha R.
Both sides are pointing fingers but the truth probably lies somewhere in between. Hope the police investigation brings out what really happened that night.
K
Karthik N.
Shocking to see lawyers involved in this kind of incident. They're supposed to uphold the law, not break it. Everyone needs to calm down and let the authorities do their job.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Kerala Police SFI Clash Ernakulam Violence V.D. Satheesan Students' Federation of India
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