A group of about 10 masked individuals, allegedly linked to the Students Federation of India (SFI), barged into the hostel at Kannur University’s Palayad campus in Kannur, Kerala, and attacked Kerala Students Union (KSU) leader Bithul Balan with weapons in the early hours on Wednesday (January 29, 2025.)
The attack took place around 1.30 a.m. The assailants reportedly wielded iron rods and bicycle chains. Bithul Balan, a second-year law student and KSU Kozhikode district general secretary, sustained serious injuries in the attack and has been admitted to a hospital.
Tension on campus
The assault has sparked tension on the campus, with the KSU accusing the SFI of orchestrating the attack. However, the SFI has yet to respond to the allegations.
KSU State vice president P. Muhammad Shammas condemned the attack, calling it “a premeditated act of violence.”
“This was a quotation-style assault orchestrated by the SFI. The KSU narrowly survived. If the police fail to arrest the culprits, we will launch an agitation against campus violence,” he said.
Meanwhile, the police have initiated an investigation into the incident. Security has been tightened on the campus.
Published – January 29, 2025 01:16 pm IST
