Click it and Unblock the Notifications
The state of Kerala faces a dawn‑to‑dusk hartal on 28 April, called over the death of Anjarakandi Dental College student Nithin Raj. The protest, planned from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., is expected to affect normal life as organisers urge widespread public cooperation across districts.
The Justice for Nithin Raj Action Council and several Dalit and Adivasi organisations have jointly announced the April 28 hartal. The protest targets those alleged to be responsible for the death of first‑year BDS student Nithin Raj, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, and seeks stronger action against campus violence.
April 28 hartal demands and protest agenda
The April 28 hartal is presented as part of a larger resistance to campus killings and alleged caste‑based discrimination within educational institutions. Organisers say the protest is not limited to one college, but reflects deeper concerns about student safety, institutional accountability and the handling of similar incidents across Kerala.
Key demands behind the April 28 hartal include strict legal action against all those held responsible for Nithin Raj's death and tighter oversight of college administrations. The Action Council also wants the investigation placed under judicial supervision, arguing that only court monitoring can ensure a thorough and impartial probe into the circumstances.
Protesters associated with the April 28 hartal have also set financial and legal conditions. They insist on implementing the Rohith Vemula Act in full, cancelling the affiliation of Anjarakandi Dental College, and paying Rs 10 crore as compensation to Nithin Raj's family. These demands are aimed at deterrence as well as support for the bereaved relatives.
| Key Demand | Details linked to April 28 hartal |
| Arrest all accused | Take into custody everyone held responsible for Nithin Raj's death. |
| Cancel college affiliation | Withdraw affiliation of Anjarakandi Dental College. |
| Implement Rohith Vemula Act | Apply the Act to address caste bias in campuses. |
| Compensation | Provide Rs 10 crore to Nithin Raj's family. |
| Judicially monitored probe | Conduct investigation under judicial supervision. |
April 28 hartal supporters and participating groups
According to the organisers, around sixty organisations from across Kerala have extended open support to the April 28 hartal. Representatives of the Justice for Nithin Raj Action Council said at a press conference in Kannur Press Club that sections of civil society, including several people's collectives, will join the coordinated protest.
The Kerala Backward Communities Front (KPSM) has formally backed the April 28 hartal announced by Dalit organisations. In a joint statement, KPSM state president K.V. Padmanabhan and general secretary S. Anvar accused the police of apathy in the investigation and criticised alleged moves to shield the accused in the Nithin Raj case.
Public services and traffic plans during April 28 hartal
During the April 28 hartal, private vehicles using public roads are likely to face blockades, according to the Action Committee. District convener Sunil Koileri said in Kannur that traders have been requested to keep shops and commercial establishments closed, and that the protest may effectively function as a bandh.
Organisers clarified that essential services will be exempt from the April 28 hartal. Distribution of newspapers, milk supply and hospital operations are not expected to be interrupted. Action Committee leaders stated that the protest plan had been framed to avoid disrupting critical daily needs while keeping pressure on authorities.
| Service | Status during April 28 hartal |
| Newspapers | Allowed to operate. |
| Milk Supply | Allowed to operate. |
| Hospitals | Allowed to function. |
| Private vehicles | Likely to be stopped on roads. |
| Shops and markets | Requested to remain closed. |
At the Kannur press meet that outlined the April 28 hartal programme, Action Committee chairperson Dr. D. Surendranath, along with leaders Kunjambu Kalyasseri and Vijayan VC, shared details. Participants reiterated that there is little trust in the present police probe and called for the case to be handed to an independent agency.
The April 28 hartal also comes at a time when Kerala awaits clarity on political power, with vote counting scheduled in 47 centres. Protest organisers, however, maintain that their focus stays on justice for Nithin Raj and on broader questions about how educational institutions and enforcement agencies respond to campus‑related deaths.
