JNU protest turns chaotic as police detain 28 students after clashes at university’s West Gate

National News: In Delhi, students from Jawaharlal Nehru University attempted to march towards the Vasant Kunj North police station on Saturday evening. The demonstration was linked to ongoing campus election disputes. However, police stopped the protest at the West Gate of JNU. A group of 70 to 80 students had gathered without official permission, demanding action over recent clashes. When they tried to break past barricades, tensions quickly escalated between students and police.

Physical scuffle at West Gate

The confrontation soon turned physical. Police said students pushed barricades and engaged in heated arguments. Some protesters allegedly used offensive language against officers. In response, police moved in and detained 28 students on the spot. Among them were 19 male and 9 female students. Authorities added that union leaders, including president Nitesh Kumar, vice president Manisha, and general secretary Muntiya Fatima, were also taken into custody during the operation.

Police officers also injured

According to Delhi Police, the clash left six officers injured, including four men and two women. They sustained minor injuries during the scuffle and were taken for medical treatment. Officials stated that the security arrangements were made to prevent students from marching onto Nelson Mandela Road, a major traffic route near the campus. The police insisted that the detentions were necessary to maintain order and prevent further disruptions in the city.

Students accuse police of bias

Student groups affiliated with Left organizations accused the Delhi Police of siding with the ABVP, a student body linked to the BJP. They claimed that police failed to act against ABVP members during earlier campus clashes on Dussehra. Instead, they argued, police targeted Left students unfairly. Leaders described Saturday’s detentions as an attempt to silence their protests. They vowed to continue pressing for accountability and equal treatment on campus.

Police defend their response

The Delhi Police rejected the allegations, saying they had been in dialogue with student leaders throughout the day. Officials claimed they had urged organizers to withdraw their call for a gherao but were ignored. According to police, legal procedures were explained clearly, but protesters decided to march anyway. Authorities said detentions were carried out only to prevent violence and that all actions taken were within the framework of the law.

University calls for calm

Meanwhile, the JNU administration urged students to remain peaceful. In a statement, officials emphasized that university campuses should remain places of study, not confrontation. The administration requested all groups to resolve disputes through dialogue rather than street protests. They also confirmed that they were monitoring the situation closely and cooperating with authorities. Their appeal was aimed at calming tensions as the campus grapples with increasing political divides.

Legal action under process

Police have confirmed that legal action has begun following the incident. A case is being prepared against the detained students for unlawful assembly and scuffles with officers. Investigators are collecting video footage and eyewitness accounts to build their case. While the immediate unrest has been brought under control, the episode highlights the tense atmosphere at JNU. With student politics deeply divided, authorities may face further challenges in keeping peace on campus.