SoSouth: SFI Protests At Kerala University Over Arts Festival Funds | Sabarimala Gold Probe Ordered

This report covers significant developments in Kerala, starting with chaotic protests at Kerala University in Thiruvananthapuram. Student activists from the SFI are protesting against Vice-Chancellor Mohan Kunnummal, alleging he is stalling the University Arts Festival by withholding funds. The protesters have clashed with police and are demanding the Vice-Chancellor's resignation, further accusing him of attempting to 'saffronise' the institution. In a separate legal development, the Kerala High Court has directed the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau to conduct a preliminary inquiry into alleged gold misappropriation regarding the Sabarimala temple's flag mast. A preliminary report indicated a discrepancy of approximately 250 grams of gold. The court has mandated a report within 30 days to investigate potential criminal breach of trust and falsification of records. Additionally, the programme touches upon political friction in Karnataka over brand ambassadors and leadership debates within the Congress party, alongside alliance tensions in Tamil Nadu.