Delhi police sources said that the students were planning a protest at the Vasant Kunj police station without official permission. When the group was stopped at the university gate, a scuffle broke out, leading to the detention of 28 students – 19 males and 9 females.
A group of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students, including the JNUSU president, were allegedly beaten and detained by Delhi Police while marching to the Vasant Kunj police station on Thursday. The students had intended to file an FIR over an earlier attack during a General Body Meeting on Dussehra, which they attribute to rising tensions between left- and right-wing student groups on campus.
According to students, the incident occurred at JNU’s West Gate when police intervened to stop their march, leading to a confrontation. Left-wing students claimed they were holding a peaceful protest against alleged violence by ABVP members and police inaction. They further alleged that police used force to block their path.
Delhi police sources said that the students were planning a protest at the Vasant Kunj police station without official permission. When the group was stopped at the university gate, a scuffle broke out, leading to the detention of 28 students – 19 males and 9 females.
Left-affiliated student groups allege that the authorities have not taken adequate action against ABVP-affiliated students following a clash, which they say escalated during a general body meeting meant for JNUSU election committee formation. These students claim police have shown favouritism towards ABVP members, further intensifying campus unrest.
The confrontation was sparked by an earlier incident during Dussehra, when left and right-wing student groups clashed on campus. The “Jai Bhim, Lal Salam” group led Saturday’s march before being detained by police as they attempted to reach the station.
During the general body meeting on Thursday, left-affiliated groups accused the ABVP of “hooliganism,” while the right-wing student organisation reported being subjected to “regional hatred”.
In a statement, the All India Students’ Association (AISA) said, “Yet again, ABVP’s hooliganism and violence is disrupting democratic practices in JNU.”
AISA further alleged, “ABVP hooligans began heckling councillors who were presenting their work reports and snatched a phone. When students began to question, they began beating students who were present in the GBM,” referencing the violence during the meeting.
Linking the violence to upcoming student union elections, AISA stated, “Due to this, their (ABVP’s) defeat is guaranteed this election. This is the reason they are resorting to violence to disrupt the electoral process.”
