Welfare Party of India State president Razak Paleri (left) speaking to research scholar Anagha Sasi at the Malayalam University gate at Tirur on Sunday, where she is on an indefinite protest.
| Photo Credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN
A research scholar at Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University has begun an indefinite protest at the university gate at Tirur, alleging that the institution failed to act on her complaints of caste-based discrimination and harassment.
Anagha Sasi, a native of Kochi and research scholar in the Department of Environmental Studies, alleges that she faced caste-based abuse from several teachers since 2024. She also alleges that she was made to sweep classrooms, dust books and files, carry boxes and clean laboratory equipment.
She said she was denied research support and made to stand in the corridor without a chair. She also alleged that a teacher told her she had to follow his instructions to continue her PhD and that she received her fellowship because of her caste, not her ability.
Ms. Sasi said she had filed several complaints over the past two years but no effective action was taken. She also alleged that an inquiry committee appointed by the university produced reports against her.
She has demanded that the teachers facing allegations be kept away from their duties pending an independent inquiry. She said she would continue the protest until she gets justice.
P.K. Navas, MLA, and leaders of several organisations expressed support for her. Mr. Navas said the government stood with the students and called for an inquiry by an agency outside the university.
Welfare Party of India State president Razak Paleri visited Ms. Sasi on Sunday (August 16, 2026) and sought an independent inquiry into her allegations of caste-based abuse, academic discrimination, ragging, threats and academic retaliation.
Mr. Paleri questioned the decision to assign the inquiry to the university Registrar, who, according to Ms. Sasi, had handled her earlier complaints.
He also sought the immediate approval of her research guide and topic and access to laboratory, library and other academic facilities. The university has rejected Ms. Sasi’s allegations as unfounded.
Published – August 16, 2026 08:59 pm IST
