Four SFI activists held over protest at SSUS

The Kalady police have apprehended four Students’ Federation of India (SFI) activists in relation to a protest at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit (SSUS) on August 13, 2026. The activists, identified as Mebin Jose, Basil Scaria, Vijeesh, and Yadhu Krishnan, are accused of staging a symbolic funeral for Vice-Chancellor Ciza Thomas. They face charges in two distinct cases registered in response to incidents that occurred during the protest.

One case was initiated based on a complaint filed by a campus police officer, while the second case emerged from a complaint made by Thomas herself. The arrested individuals are among eighteen students and active SFI members who have been booked on the basis of Thomas's complaint. According to the first FIR, the accused allegedly physically assaulted and slandered the Vice-Chancellor, as well as damaged her vehicle.

The second case pertains to obstructing the police in performing their duties, alleging that the activists resisted the efforts of the police to disperse the protest. The police report further states that the activists resorted to physical confrontations with the officers who were attempting to manage the situation.