Tensions escalated at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) early Monday as student groups aligned with the Left and Right accused each other of violence during a protest march. The incident has left several students injured and sparked a heated social media campaign.
Clash During Social Justice March
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) had organised a “Samta Juloos” or Social Justice March towards the East Gate, demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit over alleged casteist remarks and the revocation of a rustication order. Protesters claimed that the university administration did not engage with them and allowed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members, the BJP-affiliated student group, to confront them.
According to ABVP, masked individuals allegedly stormed academic buildings, assaulted students, and created panic across the campus. “Prateek Bhardwaj, a Biotechnology student, was ambushed inside the School of Social Sciences. He was blinded with fire extinguisher powder and beaten. Even a cylinder was allegedly used during the assault. He is critically injured,” the ABVP stated on social media.
READ MORE: JNU Rusticates Entire Student Union Leadership Over Alleged Vandalism
Vaibhav Meena, ABVP JNUSU Joint Secretary, added, “The left wing’s strike has been going on for 7-8 days. They spread terror throughout the night, chasing students from libraries and study rooms. Vijay was mob lynched by 100-150 people. Delhi Police did nothing. We condemn this.”
Social Media Outcry
Following the incident, ABVP launched the hashtag #LeftAttacksJNUAgain, accusing the Delhi Police of inaction. “This is not student politics! A university campus is being turned into a battlefield. Students are attacked simply for studying. Arrest those involved immediately,” ABVP tweeted.
The organisation further said, “Students were severely injured after a shocking attack by Left-affiliated groups. Their only fault was studying peacefully. This is cowardly, targeted violence. How long will ideological goons be allowed to terrorise campuses?”
Conflicting Allegations
Left-backed groups, including the All India Students’ Association (AISA), denied the claims and accused ABVP members of throwing stones at the JNUSU encampment, attacking unarmed students, and spreading misinformation about the incident.
Police said that several students were injured in a scuffle and stone pelting around 1:30 am. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact sequence of events and identify the individuals involved.
Campus on Edge
The incident has intensified tensions on the central university campus, already tense after nearly a week of strikes led by Left-wing student organisations. University authorities have urged students to maintain peace while the police investigate the violence.
