Several students were injured after a late-night clash broke out between rival student groups at Jawaharlal Nehru University around 1.30 am on Monday, following a protest demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit.
The Left-backed Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) had called for an “equality march”, Samta Juloos, towards the East Gate on Sunday night, pressing for the revocation of a rustication order and the Vice-Chancellor’s resignation.
Tensions escalated as members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Left-affiliated groups accused each other of instigating violence. Videos circulated by both sides purportedly showed masked individuals hurling stones and moving across campus carrying sticks.
Left groups alleged that ABVP members initiated stone-pelting when students gathered for the protest. “Members of the ABVP threw stones and bricks at the encampment site and physically attacked the protesting students with sticks, creating an atmosphere of fear on campus,” the JNUSU said in a statement, adding that several students were forced to take shelter inside the central library.
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The ABVP, however, blamed the Left groups for provoking the clash. Addressing a press conference, it claimed that a mob of 150–200 people attacked students in reading rooms and later targeted ABVP activists, including women students. The organisation said several of its supporters were hospitalised.
The controversy follows recent remarks by Pandit in an interview in which she said communities “cannot progress by being permanently a victim or playing the victim card”. The JNUSU described the comments as “casteist” and “insensitive” to marginalised communities.
In an official statement, the university administration said it had taken “very serious cognisance” of the incident. “Strict action is being taken under university rules and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Classes and other academic activities are continuing as scheduled,” it said.
Authorities also alleged that some protesting students had locked academic buildings and intimidated others inside the central library, triggering the scuffle.
The JNUSU has called for a ‘Long March’ to the Ministry of Education on February 26, reiterating its demand for the Vice-Chancellor’s resignation.
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