Controversy over alleged mock funeral of V-C at Sanskrit varsity in Keralam continues

The controversy over the alleged mock funeral of SSUS Vice-Chancellor Ciza Thomas by Students Federation of India (SFI) activists at the university's campus in Kalady persists, despite the student body's claim that the protest was a performance to draw attention to damaged lighting equipment in the Department of Theatre. The tension escalated as SFI activists marched during the first meeting of the re-constituted Syndicate convened by the Vice-Chancellor.

The federation has been demanding steps to fill faculty vacancies and address infrastructure issues faced by students for over four weeks. Videos showing protestors carrying spotlights and performing funeral scenes went viral, sparking criticism against the SFI for allegedly staging a mock funeral of Ms. Thomas. SFI State Secretary P. S Sanjeev claimed that students from the Department of Theatre staged a symbolic protest to highlight damaged spotlights as part of their studies.

Ms. Thomas alleged in her complaint to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar that a dummy effigy representing her was taken out and subjected to Christian funeral rites, accompanied by slogans and mockery of her purported death. The effigy was later cremated, and the incident was recorded on video, with portions circulated on social media.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and Minister for Higher Education Roji M. John condemned the protest, labeling it uncivilized and unacceptable in a civilized society. Four SFI activists arrested in connection with the incident received bail on Wednesday, subject to certain conditions.