UDF MP attacked? M. Vincent accuses SFI of attacking him in Kerala’s capital

Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition Congress party (UDF) MP M. Vincent on Wednesday alleged that activists of SFI, a student organisation of the ruling CPI(M) in the state, attacked him outside a police station.

The MP claimed that he was attacked by activists of the Students Federation of India (SFI) on the night of July 2-3 when he reached the Sreekaryam police station where members of the Kerala Students Union (KSU), a student organisation of the Congress, were protesting against the alleged beating of one of their leaders on the Kerala University campus.

The KSU members and Congressman Chandy Oommen also demanded that charges be filed against the SFI activists who allegedly beat up the KSU chairman.

The situation escalated when SFI activists arrived there and claimed that the KSU was making false allegations.

The SFI also alleged that the KSU brought “goondas” from outside and attacked the activists of the left student organisation during preparations to welcome the new students on July 3 on the university campus.

The situation later escalated outside the police station and heated arguments and even fights broke out between the two sides. Vincent was allegedly attacked by SFI activists in front of the police.

After the incident, Vincent told reporters: “I was attacked as soon as I got out of the vehicle. You all saw it. This shows the arrogance of SFI.”

KSU protesters were later reportedly assured that charges would be brought for the alleged beating of one of their student leaders on the university campus and the attack on Vincent.

Similar assurances were given to the SFI.

In view of these assurances, both sides ended their protest.