New Delhi: A protest march called by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) against JNU vice-chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit’s alleged casteist remarks escalated into a two-hour clash with police on Thursday after students broke open the triple-locked main gate and attempted to march towards the ministry of education, leading to detentions and injuries.Police said the march had not been granted permission and alleged the situation turned violent when the protesters attempted to move outside the campus. They also claimed the clashes left several cops injured.
The protest began around 3.30pm when students gathered at the Sabarmati T-point inside the campus and marched towards the main gate carrying placards and banners and raising slogans of “Jai Bhim” and “Ambedkar”. The agitation was part of a “Long March” call given by the students’ union, demanding an apology and resignation from the VC over her remarks made in a recent podcast.University security personnel moved along with the students, forming a human chain ahead of them as the procession made its way to the gate. Outside the campus, heavy police deployment had already been made. The main gate was triple-locked and secured with a metal chain, and several layers of barricading were put up to prevent students from stepping out. Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel, equipped with batons and tear gas guns, were stationed outside and a riot-control vehicle fitted with a water dispersal system was parked near the gate.As the students reached the gate, they began breaking the locks using stones and screwdrivers. Police repeatedly announced that no permission had been granted for the march outside the campus and asked the students to retreat. Students eventually broke the locks and unchained the gate, attempting to march out, after which police blocked them, leading to a confrontation.The clash continued for over two hours, with students attempting to move forward and police pushing them back and detaining several in the process. Police were also seen pulling students from inside the campus gate and dragging them outside to detain them. Some students alleged they were dragged by the hair and beaten while being detained. Several students reported injuries.Some students also alleged a police personnel snatched away a portrait of B R Ambedkar from a protestor and tried to destroy it, purported videos of which have surfaced online as well. Among those detained were JNUSU office-bearers, including JNUSU president Aditi and former JNUSU president Nitish Kumar. The detainees were taken away in buses stationed outside the campus. Armed police personnel were deployed not only outside the campus but inside too, including near the VC’s residence.There was no immediate response from the VC and the registrar to queries on whether permission had been granted to police to enter the campus.Police said the administration had informed organisers that no permission was granted for the protest outside university premises. DCP (Southwest) Amit Goel said 400-500 students gathered at the main gate and tried marching towards the ministry. “Barricades installed at the spot were damaged during the protest,” he said.He alleged that some protesters turned aggressive. “They pelted banners and sticks, threw shoes at police personnel and even resorted to physical assault, including biting some of our staff,” Goel said, adding that several police personnel, including SHO Atul Tyagi of Sarojini Nagar police station and SHO Ajay Kumar Yadav of Kishangarh police station, sustained injuries. Police said those who allegedly turned violent and did not comply with lawful directions were detained and restricted near the North Gate to prevent further escalation.Goel said some people, including JNUSU members, were apprehended. A case was registered under BNS sections 221 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 121(1) (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt to deter public servant from duty), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty) and 3(5) (common intention) at Vasant Kunj North police station. The university administration said the protesters were demanding implementation of the UGC equity regulations. “JNUSU protestors are demanding UGC regulations to be implemented. This is in violation of the SC, which issued a stay on the regulations. JNU VC or registrar have no powers over the regulations.”It added: “JNUSU has refused to address the core issue of their rustication — vandalism and violence inside the campus. The students involved were held responsible and rusticated following a proctorial inquiry. JNU is a public university, hence accountable to govt, Parliament and Indian taxpayers. It is deplorable that a woman OBC VC is instead attacked on false allegations to divert from the issue.”JNU Teachers’ Association demanded the immediate release of all detained students and called for strict action against officers found responsible.By evening, protesters sat near the gate, blocking the way and continuing sloganeering. Later, additional paramilitary personnel were deployed as the protest continued. The situation remained tense on campus till late evening.
