Kerala Hartal Over Nithin Raj Death Disrupts Transport, Shuts Shops Across State

A statewide hartal called by the Justice for Nithin Raj Action Council, along with 52 Dalit and Adivasi organisations, triggered widespread disruption across Kerala on April 28. The protest was organised to demand action in connection with the alleged caste-based harassment-linked death of BDS student Nithin Raj, who was found dead at Anjarakandy Dental College in Kannur district. The 12-hour strike, observed from 6 am to 6 pm, affected normal life in several districts as protesters blocked roads, halted vehicles and forced many businesses to shut down. Public transport services were partially affected, while private buses and auto-rickshaws largely remained off the roads during the agitation.

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: A statewide hartal was called by the Justice for Nithin Raj Action Council and 52 Dalit and Adivasi organisations, demanding arrest over the alleged caste-based harassment-linked suicide of BDS student Nithin Raj. The protest caused disruptions,… pic.twitter.com/U5Fm3hwjkr

— IANS (@ians_india) April 28, 2026

Demonstrations intensified in Thiruvananthapuram and several other districts, where protesters stopped Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private vehicles. In Thampanoor, heated exchanges were witnessed between stranded passengers and demonstrators after transport services were interrupted. Similar protests and road blockades were reported in Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Palakkad, Kollam, Idukki and Kottayam districts. Police personnel intervened at multiple locations to clear traffic congestion and release stranded vehicles. Protesters, however, accused the state government of attempting to weaken the impact of the hartal. Despite police intervention, normal traffic movement remained disrupted in several areas for hours due to the coordinated protests.

Also Read: Keralam: Dalit organisations call statewide bandh over BDS student Nithin Raj's death

In Kottayam district, protesters briefly stopped KSRTC and private vehicles in Mundakkayam before allowing them to continue their journey. Demonstrators also reportedly compelled a Muthoot Finance branch in Kottayam town to shut operations during the strike. Traffic on the busy Kottayam–Kumily road in Ponkunnam was held up for several minutes due to road blockades. While a few long-distance KSRTC services to cities such as Ernakulam and Kozhikode continued to operate, regular bus services remained limited across the state. Protest gatherings were also staged outside the Palakkad Stadium Bus Stand, adding to travel difficulties faced by commuters during the day-long agitation.

Police teams were deployed in multiple districts after protesters blocked vehicles in places including Perambra in Kozhikode, Pazhayangadi in Kannur, Parappa Chullikkara in Kasaragod and Mulavana in Kollam district. Authorities stepped in to disperse demonstrators and restore movement on affected roads. The Nithin Raj Action Council has demanded a detailed murder investigation into the student’s death, compensation of ₹10 crore for the family, cancellation of the dental college’s accreditation and the removal of the Kannur Superintendent of Police. Essential services were exempted from the hartal, while areas impacted by the recent fireworks tragedy in Thrissur were also kept outside the scope of the strike.