Violence broke out between students and police during a ‘Long March’ at Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi on Thursday evening, leading to the arrest of 14 people, including student union office bearers. A case has been registered at Vasant Kunj North police station and an investigation has been initiated.
Arrests and FIR Registered
According to Delhi Police, those arrested include current JNUSU President Aditi Mishra and former President Nitish Kumar. Vice President Gopika Babu and Joint Secretary Danish Ali were also taken into custody. Police said a total of 14 people were arrested in connection with the incident. An FIR has been registered at Vasant Kunj North police station, and further investigation is underway. Police stated that action was necessary to maintain law and order.
Reason for the March
Students had called for a ‘Long March’ from the JNU campus to the office of the Ministry of Education. The protest was organised against recent statements made by Vice-Chancellor Shantishree Dhulipudi Pandit.
The student union alleged that the administration’s stance on the implementation of University Grants Commission rules, the removal of JNUSU office bearers, and issues related to the proposed Rohit Act was not in the interest of students.
Police stated that the university administration had informed students in advance that permission had not been granted for protests outside the campus and advised them to confine their demonstration within the campus premises.
Sequence of Events
Police said approximately 400 to 500 students gathered on campus and around 3.20 pm attempted to move towards the ministry after exiting through the main gate. As they reached the barricades, a scuffle began.
Police claimed that protesters broke barricades and threw sticks, shoes and banners. During the altercation, several police personnel were injured. It was also alleged that some officials were bitten during the incident.
Police and Students Present Contrasting Claims
Delhi Police stated that the protesters assaulted personnel and obstructed public servants from performing their duties. According to police, about 25 police personnel were injured, including ACP Ved Prakash, ACP Sanghamitra, SHO Atul Tyagi and SHO Ajay Yadav.
Protesting students alleged that police used excessive force. They said that lathi-charge and force were used to stop what they described as a peaceful march.
Videos Circulate on Social Media
Several video clips surfaced on social media following the incident. The videos purportedly show some students confronting police personnel, slapping them and throwing sticks at security forces.
In one video, former student leader Nitish Kumar is seen climbing a university wall and addressing students. Another clip shows a student allegedly slapping a police officer. The authenticity of these videos has not been independently verified. Investigating agencies are examining the footage as evidence.
Sections Invoked
Police have registered a case against the students under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to obstructing a public servant in the discharge of duty, causing injury and use of criminal force. Legal proceedings have commenced following the registration of the FIR. The arrested students will be produced before a court.
Security Tightened on Campus
Security has been increased in and around the JNU campus following the clash. Personnel of the Rapid Action Force have also been deployed. The administration stated that there would be no compromise on law and order. The university administration appealed to students to maintain peace and said disputes should be resolved through dialogue.
