Thiruvananthapuram ,28 April (H.S):A dawn-to-dusk bandh called by various Dalit organisations in Kerala, demanding justice in the death of dental student Nithin Raj, disrupted normal life in several parts of the state on Tuesday, with reports of vehicles being blocked and traffic affected.
The bandh, observed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., was backed by around 52 Dalit and Adivasi organisations.
While organisers had initially assured that the protest would remain peaceful, incidents of road blockades were reported from multiple districts.
In the state capital, protestors obstructed KSRTC buses at Thampanoor, staging sit-in demonstrations on roads and causing traffic congestion. Similar incidents were reported from Adoor in Pathanamthitta district and Pazhayangadi in Kannur, where buses were stopped by agitators.
Police intervened in several locations, removing protestors and restoring traffic movement.
In Adoor Central Junction, police detained activists who had blocked vehicles, including a KSRTC bus. In Thiruvalla, protestors reportedly stopped a vehicle carrying a cancer patient en route to Kottayam Medical College, allowing passage only after verifying medical documents. Another vehicle transporting medicines was also briefly halted.
Kannur witnessed similar scenes, with protestors staging a sit-in at Caltex Junction and blocking vehicles. Police later arrested and removed those involved in the blockade.
Despite the disruptions, trade bodies including the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi and the Hotel and Restaurant Association announced that shops would remain open, as the organisers had stated there would be no forced closures. Private bus operators also confirmed that services would continue.
The protestors have raised three primary demands: strict action against those responsible for Nithin Raj’s death, ₹10 crore compensation for his family, and cancellation of the affiliation of the Ancharakandi Dental College in Kannur.
Police remain on high alert across the state to prevent further untoward incidents.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
