By: The Trek News Desk
Tension escalated at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Thursday evening after a student-led protest march resulted in a confrontation with the Delhi Police. Authorities confirmed that 14 protesters were arrested following the clash, which broke out when members of the JNU Students’ Union attempted to march towards the Ministry of Education.
Among those arrested are JNUSU president Aditi Mishra, vice-president Gopika Babu, former president Nitish Kumar, and joint secretary Danish Ali, along with other students. Police officials stated that an FIR has been registered at Vasant Kunj North Police Station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to assault, obstruction of public servants, and voluntarily causing hurt.
According to officials, the protest began at Sabarmati T-Point inside the university campus. Students had gathered to oppose recent remarks made by Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit during a podcast discussion. The comments reportedly addressed the implementation of UGC regulations, disciplinary action against student union office-bearers, and the proposed “Rohith Act,” all of which have sparked discontent among sections of the student body.
As the group attempted to move towards the heavily barricaded university gates, police personnel prevented them from proceeding further. This led to a scuffle between the two sides. Delhi Police claimed that several officers sustained injuries after being allegedly attacked during the confrontation. In total, 51 protesters were detained on Thursday evening, before 14 were formally arrested.
The JNUSU, however, accused the police of using excessive force during the march. In a statement, the union alleged that 13 students, including three office-bearers, were detained and several others were injured. The students’ body also claimed that a portrait of Dr B. R. Ambedkar was damaged during the police action.
In response to the incident, the student union has called for a complete university strike. It has demanded the unconditional release of all detained students, the resignation of the vice-chancellor, action against police personnel allegedly responsible for damaging Ambedkar’s portrait, and withdrawal of FIRs and disciplinary proceedings against student activists.
Meanwhile, the Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Association (JNUTA) had earlier condemned the police intervention and sought an impartial inquiry into the matter. The situation on campus remains tense, with the episode intensifying the ongoing debate over student protests and administrative actions at the university.
Source: News Agencies
