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Kerala Bandh on April 28 took effect as normal life across Kerala gets affected on Tuesday morning. 12-hour strike has been called by a coalition of over 50 Dalit organizations, the hartal seeks justice for Nithin Raj, a first-year BDS student from Kannur who died earlier this month. Protesters have taken to the streets from 6 am, blocking major junctions and forcing commercial establishments to close. While the organizers initially promised that vehicles would not be stopped by force, reports from Thiruvananthapuram, Kannur, and Wayanad indicate significant disruptions to public transport, leaving many commuters stranded.

Bandh April 28: Why is there a Kerala hartal today?

The protest is centered on the death of Nithin Raj, a student at a private dental college in Ancharakandi, Kannur. Nithin was found critically injured after a fall from a building on April 10 and tragically passed away shortly after. His family has raised serious allegations of systemic caste-based discrimination and harassment regarding his complexion by certain faculty members. While the police have booked two teachers under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and for abetment of suicide, the Justice for Nithin Raj Action Council claims the investigation is a sham. They argue the police are deliberately dragging their feet to allow the accused to secure legal protection.

What is open and what is closed in Kerala?

• Closed: Shops in major markets have pulled down their shutters. Public transport (KSRTC and private buses) might be largely unavailable due to blocakdes.
• Open: Essential services like hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies are fully functional. Milk and newspaper distribution took place early in the morning without interruption.
• Banks: While banks are technically open, footfall is expected to be minimal, and some branches in sensitive areas may choose to remain closed for the safety of staff.

Will buses and trains be affected by the bandh?

Public transport is expected to be the major hit on Tuesday. While the Indian Railways is operating as per schedule, getting to and from stations is a challenge due to the lack of connecting transport. The KSRTC has suspended many of its schedules in protest-hit zones, and private buses have largely stayed off the roads. In many areas, protesters have blocked private vehicles and taxis, although two-wheelers are being permitted to pass. If you are planning to travel, expect long delays and a shortage of auto-rickshaws.

Are liquor shops and bars open in Kerala today?

In line with the statewide protest, most liquor shops (BEVCO outlets) and bars across Kerala are expected to remain closed or operate with extreme caution. While there is no official government order to shut them, local outlets usually remain closed during a 12-hour hartal to avoid potential law and order issues or being targeted by protesters. It is highly likely that these outlets will only reopen after the hartal concludes at 6 pm.

What are the allegations against the Kerala Police?

The Kerala Pinnokka Samudaya Munnani (KPSM) and other Dalit groups have accused the local police of "apathy" and "misdirection." The core of the anger lies in the claim that the police are trying to pivot the motive of the suicide toward "loan app debts" rather than the caste harassment alleged by the family. Activists argue this is a tactical move to shield the faculty members involved. By delaying the arrests, protesters say the police essentially gave the accused a window to move for anticipatory bail. The demand is now clear: the current probe must be scrapped and the case handed over to an independent investigative agency.

(With PTI inputs)