KOCHI: Tension prevailed on the Cochin University of Science and Technology campus on Friday after a clash broke out between SFI and KSU activists at a nearby tea stall in Kalamassery . Several students were injured and police said that they have registered a case against 15 persons based on statement from the victims.

The clash broke out soon after an election was held to the administrative body of the hostel for B Tech students. The hostel was evicted by the evening after the clash.

The cases have been registered under Sections 143 (unlawful assembly), 147 (punishment for rioting), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means) and 294-B (utters any obscene song, ballad or words, in or near any public place).

KSU activists alleged that SFI activists thrashed the youths. “SFI lost in the election to the administrative body and they attacked the youths in retaliation. One among the injured has sustained a joint dislocation while another sustained injury on his stomach,” said M Rahmathulla, an LLM student in the campus and a senate member.

SFI leader Jibin TP countered the claim. “Knowing the issue at Thiruvananthapuram University College, we had warned our members to stay away from trouble even if they were provoked. The clash took place due to instigation by MSF and KSU,” said Jibin adding that three of their activists were injured.

