Who Is Anagha Sasi, The Dalit Scholar Protesting At Kerala University?

A protest by Dalit research scholar Anagha Sasi at Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University in Kerala has drawn support from student groups, Dalit organisations and activists, after she alleged caste discrimination, academic harassment and denial of research facilities.

Sasi, a PhD scholar in the Department of Environmental Studies, has been sitting on an indefinite protest demanding action against faculty members and others whom she accuses of caste-based abuse, harassment and obstructing her research.

She has also demanded registration of a case under the Scheduled Castes (SC) and the Scheduled Tribes (ST) (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, along with action on complaints related to alleged ragging and academic retaliation, The Hindu reported

Who Is Anagha Sasi?

Anagha Sasi, from Kolenchery in Kerala, joined Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University in 2024 as a research scholar in the Environmental Studies department.

She has alleged that despite completing her PhD coursework, she has been unable to progress with her research due to delays in academic support, approval processes and access to facilities.

Sasi claimed that her annual progress report was delayed and that the university did not convene her Doctoral Committee, affecting her research work and putting her fellowship from the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment at risk.

'Harassment And Denial Of Research Support'

Sasi has alleged that she faced caste-based discrimination from the beginning of her association with the university.

She claimed that she was assigned non-academic tasks, including sweeping classrooms, dusting books and files, carrying boxes, cleaning laboratory equipment and arranging materials in classrooms and the department.

She also alleged that she was denied research assistance, access to laboratory facilities and support during fieldwork. At times, she claimed, she was made to stand in corridors without seating.

According to Sasi, her research guide Arun Babu and faculty member Jaini Varghese were among those named in her complaints.

She alleged that Babu told her she would have to follow his instructions to continue her PhD.

“I did not come to your house and ask you to come here for a PhD. If you want to do a PhD, you must obey what I say; otherwise, go somewhere else, go to IGNOU,” Sasi alleged he told her.

She further claimed that she was told her fellowship was granted because of her caste rather than merit and alleged that she faced threats over the continuation of the fellowship.

Complaints And Demand For Independent Probe

Sasi said she submitted complaints to the university’s Registrar, Vice-Chancellor, Research Director and the SC/ST Cell in August 2025. She also approached the Higher Education Minister and the Chief Minister but alleged that no effective action was taken.

She has disputed the university’s claim that she failed to revise her research synopsis, saying she had submitted multiple revisions but did not receive adequate guidance from her research supervisor.

Dalit rights activist Sunny Kappikkad has supported Sasi’s protest, saying the matter reflects wider concerns of caste discrimination in higher education and should not be treated merely as an academic disagreement.

Kappikkad also alleged that the university should have informed police after receiving a caste discrimination complaint involving an SC student and demanded an independent inquiry.

Student Groups Rally Behind Protest

Several student and social organisations have expressed solidarity with Sasi, including the All India Students’ Association (AISA), Ambedkarite Democratic Front, Kerala Students’ Union, Muslim Students’ Federation, Student Islamic Organisation, Kerala Dalit Federation and Fraternity Movement.

AISA national president Neha Bora visited the protest site and expressed support.

“Let casteism be defeated! Enact Rohith Act!” Bora said in a post on X.

P.K. Navas, MLA, also visited the protest site and called for an external inquiry, while Welfare Party of India Kerala president Razak Paleri demanded an independent investigation.

University Denies Allegations

University officials have denied the allegations made by Sasi.

However, the widening support for her protest has increased scrutiny over the university’s handling of her complaints and the broader issue of caste discrimination in higher education. Sasi has said she will continue her indefinite protest until action is taken.