Thenjipalam: Calicut University has been shut indefinitely after violent incidents linked to the union elections, with classes suspended until further notice. Students have been advised to vacate hostels. Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Ravindran said the decision was taken to restore peace and ensure student safety.
The clashes erupted inside the university campus on Friday evening, leaving over 20 people injured at and around the ballot counting centre. The dispute began when UDSF demanded that ballot papers not signed by the returning officer should not be considered
Over 45 ballot papers were destroyed during the unrest, prompting the Vice-Chancellor to instruct polling officials to halt the counting process.
The situation escalated at the EMS Seminar Complex, where counting was underway. Police resorted to lathi charges, forcing SFI and UDSF activists to flee, and breaking several glass panes in the complex. The initial confrontation over unsigned ballot papers soon escalated into a wider clash between the student groups.
Activists from Youth Congress and UDSF reportedly snatched and destroyed ballot papers. SFI counting agents were injured while trying to prevent the destruction and were admitted to the hospital. Both groups stormed the counting centre, resulting in further clashes and lathi charges.
More than 45 ballot papers were reportedly torn and trampled. Injured UDSF activists were taken to the hospital by ambulance around 8:30 pm. During the clashes, UDF activists repeatedly hurled stones at the seminar complex, causing extensive damage to glass panes.
Despite demands from SFI state secretary P.S. Sanjeev and other leaders to continue counting, Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Ravindran instructed officials that counting could not proceed without proper security and official approval. While the registrar had advocated continuing the count, officials maintained that adequate safety measures and permissions were necessary before proceeding.
The university administration has urged all student groups to maintain calm and cooperate with authorities while the situation is being reviewed, and further announcements on classes and the resumption of elections are expected once safety and order are restored.