JNU protest turns violent: 28 students detained, 6 cops injured
What's the story
A protest march at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) turned violent on Saturday evening, leading to clashes between Left-affiliated student groups and the police. The protest was organized by the Left-backed JNU Students' Union (JNUSU), demanding an FIR against members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The ABVP is affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
Assault claims
JNUSU president assaulted, held hostage by ABVP members: Nitish Kumar
JNUSU president Nitish Kumar alleged he was assaulted, held hostage, and abused by ABVP members after a university meeting. The police detained 28 students, including Kumar, JNUSU vice-president Manisha, and general secretary Muntia Fatima. Six police personnel were injured in the scuffle during the protest march to the Vasant Kunj North police station.
Accusations exchanged
Police accused of manhandling female students
While the police accused protesters of breaking barricades and obstructing traffic, student groups alleged police brutality during detentions. The All India Students' Association (AISA) said JNUSU president and others were "brutalized by Delhi Police while demanding FIR against ABVP's violence across School GBMs." The Students' Federation of India (SFI) also accused police of excessive force, alleging female students were manhandled.
DCP's response
Police deny allegations of brutality
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Amit Goel denied allegations of police brutality. He said students had "broken barricades, manhandled personnel, and obstructed traffic," leading to detentions to prevent escalation. The demonstration was described in posters as a "social march for social justice," and was called to demand action against ABVP members accused of attacking Left-affiliated students.
Election backdrop
ABVP actions will lead to their defeat in upcoming elections
The incident comes ahead of the JNU Students' Union elections next month. According to India Today, which quoted a statement from AISA, "their (ABVP's) defeat is guaranteed this election. This is the reason they are resorting to violence to disrupt the electoral process." JNU joint secretary Vaibhav Meena, affiliated with ABVP, condemned the incident as "an insult to the dignity of JNU."