In Kollam, the police have taken action against seven individuals involved in protests that erupted during the visit of BJP candidate G Krishnakumar to an educational institution where he was campaigning. The incidents led to the filing of two cases, one initiated by a member of the BJP and the other by ABVP activists. Charges brought against the accused include unlawful assembly, rioting with weapons, causing hurt to members of both organizations, and other related offenses under the Indian Penal Code.
The Kundara police station is handling the cases and has summoned the accused individuals to provide their statements regarding the events. Krishnakumar, expressing strong disapproval of the protests, highlighted the clashes between SFI activists and ABVP members when he visited the Industrial Training Institute. He condemned the actions of the Left student activists, labeling them as "real fascism" for their opposition during his visit while claiming that other candidates faced no such hostility during their visits to the campus.
The SFI, on the other hand, stated that their demonstration was not aimed at Krishnakumar personally but was a response to alleged violations by the ABVP in organizing the event. According to an SFI activist, the protest was triggered by the ABVP's decision to replace the institute's principal with Krishnakumar at the prize distribution event. This move was viewed as a breach of an agreement made between the two factions regarding the proceedings, leading to the student outfit's objections and subsequent uproar.