Kerala University V-C alleges police inaction amid campus unrest

Kerala University Vice-Chancellor in-charge Mohanan Kunnummal wrote to the State Police Chief on Friday (February 13, 2026) alleging persistent police inaction amid escalating campus unrest, alleged trespass, siege of administrative offices and protests outside his private residence.

The formal communication refers to multiple complaints filed by the University Registrar before the State Police Chief and the District Police Chief (Thiruvananthapuram City) between November 2025 and February 2026. The Vice-Chancellor claimed that no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered in connection with the flagged incidents despite written complaints being submitted.

According to Prof. Kunnummal, a group of students claiming affiliation with the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) allegedly forced entry into his office and laid siege for several hours on February 5.

He added that the CCTV footage showed certain Syndicate members guiding the protesters, while maintaining that he could avoid potential harm since he was not present at the office at the time.

Moreover, from February 9, a group of students began a day-night protest on the Senate House campus in Palayam, cooked food and remained on the campus even after working hours. The Vice-Chancellor alleged that police intervention was made only after the matter was escalated to the Chancellor.

He cited Kerala High Court directives that declared that student organisations do not have the right to disrupt academic activities or conduct agitations on campuses. Besides, the police have also been ordered to extend aid to educational institutions when requested to ensure the smooth conduct of academic activities. The failure to act on the complaints amounts to non-compliance with the judicial directions, the Vice-Chancellor alleged.

Protest outside residence

Prof. Kunnummal added that a group of people who claimed to be students gathered outside his residence at Sasthamangalam on February 12 and shouted slogans and used abusive language. The protest caused distress to his family and neighbours and disrupted public order in the locality, which is situated near two major hospitals.

While stating that he has exercised restraint and treated the protesters as students rather than adversaries, he warned that recent developments indicate the involvement of non-students and also expressed concern that the agitation may be a cover for causing him physical harm.

Under such circumstances, he has sought a thorough investigation to identify those responsible for the alleged criminal acts on campus and outside his residence. He also requested immediate measures to ensure the safety of his family and protection of university property.