Clashes Erupt During JNUSU Protest; Cops, Students Injured, FIR Registered

Police and students were injured after clashes broke out during a march by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) at the campus gate on Thursday, with both sides accusing each other of assault. An FIR has been registered, officials said.

According to police, around 400–500 students assembled on campus for a “Long March” towards the Ministry of Education, citing demands related to UGC regulations, the rustication of JNUSU office-bearers and remarks attributed to Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit.

At around 3.20 pm, protesters moved towards the main gate and attempted to march to the ministry but were stopped by police at the North Gate and pushed back inside the campus.

A senior police officer said barricades placed outside the campus were damaged as tensions escalated. “Some protesters threw banners, sticks and shoes and engaged in scuffles with personnel. Several officers sustained injuries during the clash,” the officer said.

Police said about 25 personnel were injured, including ACP Ved Prakash, ACP Sanghamitra, SHO Atul Tyagi and SHO Ajai Yadav. An FIR was registered at Vasant Kunj North police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, alleging obstruction and assault on public servants.

Officials said 51 protesters were detained, including JNUSU president Aditi Mishra and former president Nitish Kumar. “Some protesters have alleged manhandling by police, which we deny. Our personnel were deployed to maintain law and order,” the officer added.

Students, however, claimed that excessive force was used and alleged that several protesters, including women, were injured in the action. The JNU Teachers Association criticised what it termed the “use of force” and raised concerns over the detention process.

The JNUSU also alleged that a portrait of B R Ambedkar was damaged during the police action. Videos of the confrontation circulated on social media, though their authenticity could not be independently verified.

In a statement, the university administration said prior permission had not been granted for a protest outside the campus and students had been advised to confine demonstrations within university premises. It added that matters related to UGC regulations are subject to legal proceedings and that disciplinary action against certain students followed a proctorial inquiry into alleged vandalism and violence.