JNU Campus Erupts in Violent Clashes as Students Protest VC's Remarks
A protest march organized by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) against Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit's alleged casteist remarks escalated dramatically on Thursday, culminating in a violent two-hour confrontation with police forces. The situation intensified after students forcibly broke open the triple-locked main gate and attempted to march towards the Ministry of Education, leading to multiple detentions and reported injuries on both sides.
Protest Origins and Escalation
The agitation commenced around 3:30 PM when students assembled at the Sabarmati T-point within the campus, carrying placards and banners while chanting slogans such as "Jai Bhim" and "Ambedkar." This demonstration was part of a "Long March" initiative called by the students' union, demanding an official apology and the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Pandit over remarks she made during a recent podcast. University security personnel accompanied the procession, forming a human chain as students advanced toward the main gate.
Outside the campus, authorities had prepared extensively with heavy police deployment. The main gate was secured with three locks and a metal chain, supplemented by multiple layers of barricades to prevent students from exiting. Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel equipped with batons and tear gas guns were stationed outside, alongside a riot-control vehicle fitted with a water dispersal system.
Confrontation and Clash Details
Upon reaching the gate, students began breaking the locks using stones and screwdrivers. Police repeatedly announced that no permission had been granted for the march outside the campus and urged students to retreat. Despite these warnings, students successfully broke the locks and unchained the gate, attempting to march out. This action triggered a direct confrontation with police, who blocked their path.
The clash persisted for over two hours, with students pushing forward and police responding by pushing them back and detaining several individuals. Eyewitnesses reported police pulling students from inside the campus gate and dragging them outside for detention. Some students alleged they were dragged by their hair and beaten during the process, resulting in numerous injuries.
Additionally, students accused a police officer of snatching a portrait of B.R. Ambedkar from a protester and attempting to destroy it; purported videos of this incident have circulated online. Among those detained were JNUSU office-bearers, including President Aditi and former President Nitish Kumar. Detainees were transported away in buses stationed outside the campus.
Police and Administrative Responses
Police stated that the march lacked official permission and alleged that the situation turned violent when protesters tried to move outside the campus. They reported several officers sustained injuries during the clashes. DCP (Southwest) Amit Goel detailed that 400-500 students gathered at the main gate and attempted to march towards the ministry, damaging barricades in the process.
Goel further alleged that some protesters became aggressive, pelting banners, sticks, and shoes at police personnel, and even resorting to physical assault, including biting. Injured officers included SHO Atul Tyagi of Sarojini Nagar police station and SHO Ajay Kumar Yadav of Kishangarh police station. A case was registered under BNS sections 221 (obstructing public servant), 121(1) (causing hurt to deter public servant), 132 (assault to deter public servant), and 3(5) (common intention) at Vasant Kunj North police station.
The university administration issued a statement clarifying that protesters were demanding implementation of UGC equity regulations, which is currently stayed by the Supreme Court. They emphasized that the JNU VC or registrar have no authority over these regulations. The administration also criticized the protest, stating it diverted from core issues like student rustication due to vandalism and violence inside the campus, and condemned attacks on the woman OBC Vice-Chancellor based on false allegations.
Aftermath and Ongoing Tensions
By evening, protesters had settled near the gate, blocking the way and continuing their sloganeering. Additional paramilitary personnel were deployed as the protest persisted, maintaining a tense atmosphere on campus into the late hours. The JNU Teachers' Association demanded the immediate release of all detained students and called for strict action against officers found responsible. There was no immediate response from Vice-Chancellor Pandit or the registrar regarding whether permission had been granted for police to enter the campus.
