Calicut University Expels SFI Leader Over Protest Against Blocking Magazine Release

Kozhikode: A student has been expelled from the department and hostel at the University of Calicut for protesting against the university's decision to block the release of students' union magazine. M Abhinand, secretary of the SFI university unit, was expelled following an order issued by the head of his department on the direction of Vice Chancellor Prof. Ravindran.

The Departmental Students' Union (DSU) had decided to organise the magazine release with SFI All India Joint Secretary Aishe Ghosh, a prominent participant in the youth protest at Jantar Mantar, as the chief guest. The DSU had sought permission to use the EMS Seminar Complex for the event.

However, Pro Vice Chancellor Dr Rasheed Ahmed issued an order stating that the seminar complex should not be allotted to the DSU until October 6. Rasheed Ahmed, who is also a leader of a Muslim League-backed organisation, cited a possible convocation in October as the reason. The order stated that the hall could be allotted if any of three other venues were available.

After the seminar complex was denied citing an event scheduled for October, DSU office-bearers began protesting at the administrative block on Tuesday morning. Around 4 pm, they received an assurance that the EMS Seminar Complex would be made available. An order allotting the venue was issued around 5 pm, following which the programme was held.

Police had registered a case against Abhinand based on a complaint filed by the Vice Chancellor over the protest. His expulsion followed the registration of the case.

SFI state secretary P S Sanjeev said the organisation would launch a strong protest against the university's action.

Meanwhile, allegations have intensified that the seminar complex was denied to the DSU to appease the Sangh Parivar. The Pro Vice Chancellor and other officials had earlier allowed the Calicut University Employees' Centre, a BJP-backed employees' organisation, to use a venue for a seminar organised by them without raising any objections.

The Vice Chancellor and Pro Vice Chancellor had also recently travelled to Thiruvananthapuram and met the Governor.