Campus Chaos: Allegations, Clashes, and a Dramatic Election at Kannur University

Tensions soared at Kannur University during the union elections on Wednesday following accusations against an SFI candidate for allegedly seizing a bag containing a voter certificate from an MSF UUC member, sparking conflict between the student groups.

When police attempted to restrain the woman candidate from the Students Federation of India (SFI), a faction aligned with the CPI(M), her peers intervened in large numbers, resulting in clashes that ultimately led to her release.

TV broadcasts depicted the candidate fleeing with fellow SFI members. An officer was injured in the altercation. SFI State Secretary PS Sanjeev criticized the police for restraining the candidate without evidence. The clashes involved SFI and the United Democratic Students' Front (comprising the KSU and MSF), prompting police to use force to restore order. The Kerala High Court required police deployment and the videotaping of elections amid allegations from an MSF candidate against SFI intimidation.

(With inputs from agencies.)