Malayalam varsity student launches protest over alleged cast discrimination

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, including Arun Babu and Bharathan, 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.