Kochi: SFI activists broke open the union office locked by the principal at Maharaja's College on Wednesday.

When Fraternity activists protested against the taking over of the union office, a scuffle ensued and the principal sought police help. The union office was then locked up again in the presence of police personnel.

Eye-witnesses said that the lock was broken by SFI former unit president Mohammed Amir, Prajith K Babu and several outsiders. Amir was expelled a year ago from the college after being accused of burning the former principal's chair.

The KSU had filed a complaint that the SFI was using the room as their union office despite the end of its term. Outsiders used the place for over-night stays, it is alleged. Following the complaint, on Tuesday, principal K Jayakumar closed the office after emptying the room of SFI flags and banners.