SFI protest in Kerala’s Kannur turns violent; Congress flagpole, flex board destroyed 

Violent clash between SFI and Congress supporters in Kannur, Kerala, leads to destruction of property and heightened police presence.

Violence broke out during a protest march organised by the Students Federation of India (SFI) in Kannur, Kerala, on Friday.

SFI activists reportedly uprooted a Congress flagpole near a bus stop and destroyed a flex board installed in support of Congress leader K. Sudhakaran in front of the taluk office.

The protest was in response to a demonstration by Youth Congress and KSU members in Malapattam recently, which the SFI claimed insulted Dheeraj, a slain SFI activist, who was allegedly stabbed to death by KSU members.

Accusing the Youth Congress of dishonouring his memory, the SFI staged a counter-protest, condemning the slogans raised during that march.

The SFI rally, which began from the KSRTC bus station and concluded at the municipal bus stand, was led by SFI district secretary Sarath Raveendren and district president T.P Akhil.

Police presence was heightened in the area in response to the incident.