Tue May 13 18:01:06 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Kerala Police Accused of Disrupting Student Anti-Drug Conference, Sparking Outrage**

**MALAPPURAM, INDIA – May 13, 2025** – A student-organized anti-drug conference in Perinthalmanna, Kerala, was disrupted by police on Sunday, May 11, resulting in widespread condemnation. The Wisdom Islamic Students Organisation (WISO) had organized the event, which drew an estimated 25,000 students from across the state.

According to WISO, Inspector Sumesh Sudhakaran and his team halted the conference at 10:06 p.m., just minutes before its planned conclusion, despite having permission until 10 p.m. Organizers claim they were working to wrap up the event quickly and had informed the police of the delay. Video footage of Inspector Sudhakaran allegedly sneering at students after stopping the conference has gone viral, fueling public anger.

“It was a meeting against drugs held with a blessing message from our Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan,” said T.K. Ashraf, general secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Students Organisation.

Police maintain they were enforcing the 10 p.m. deadline and had previously warned the organizers. District Police Chief R. Viswanath has ordered an investigation into the incident following numerous complaints.

Critics, including WISO leaders, have accused the police of selectively targeting the anti-drug event while seemingly ignoring other late-night gatherings, such as DJ parties, where drug and alcohol use are suspected.

A number of prominent politicians from across the political spectrum, including Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly, have voiced their disapproval of the police’s actions, calling them deplorable and unwarranted.

The investigation is ongoing, and further action will depend on its findings, according to District Police Chief Viswanath.

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