Kerala Minister’s Vehicle Attacked as Student Clashes Escalate

The vehicle of Kerala’s Minister for Sports, Youth Welfare, Registration, and Archeology, O.J. Jeneesh, was attacked at Kuppam in Taliparamba, Kannur, causing damage to the vehicle.

The Congress alleged that DYFI activists were behind the attack. According to the party, the vehicle was struck with stones and fists.

Security personnel and police present at the spot intervened and moved the protesters away from the vehicle.

The incident comes amid a major clash between Youth Congress/KSU and SFI/DYFI activists after a protest march against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar turned violent near a university men’s hostel in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. The confrontation escalated as stones, beer bottles and other objects were allegedly hurled between the two sides. Some burning torches reportedly landed on a parked car and near the windows of the hostel. The clash has triggered fresh political tensions in the state capital, with SFI announcing statewide protests at educational institutions.

Following the incident, police have stepped up security for the minister. Additional personnel will be deployed at public events attended by Jeneesh and during his travel.

The decision to strengthen security was taken amid the possibility of protests at public events involving the minister. Police have also put the minister’s office under special monitoring as part of the enhanced security arrangements.