Updated on: October 19, 2025 | 3:04 AM IST

New Delhi: Tensions flared at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Saturday evening as a protest march by Left-affiliated student groups turned violent, leading to a confrontation with Delhi Police. At least 28 students, including top office bearers of the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU), were detained during the clash near the Vasant Kunj police station in South Delhi, officials confirmed.

Background of the Protest

The protest was organized by Left-backed student organizations demanding the registration of an FIR against members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The students alleged that ABVP members had assaulted several students during a general body meeting (GBM) of the School of Social Sciences (SSS) on Friday.

According to the protesting students, the violence at the GBM involved ABVP members grabbing a woman student by the throat and attacking others. The ABVP, however, denied the allegations and counter-claimed that Left-affiliated students had assaulted one of their members.

Clash During the March

The confrontation began around 6 pm, when nearly 70–80 students began marching from the JNU campus towards Vasant Kunj police station, demanding immediate police action against the ABVP members.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Amit Goel said the students “broke police barricades, manhandled personnel, and obstructed traffic” on Nelson Mandela Marg, prompting police intervention.

“To prevent any untoward incident, a total of 28 students, including JNUSU office bearers, were detained,” DCP Goel told PTI, adding that six police personnel were injured in the scuffle.

Detained Student Leaders

Those detained include JNUSU President Nitish Kumar, Vice President Manisha, and General Secretary Munteha Fatima, according to NDTV. The detainees were taken to the Vasant Kunj police station for questioning and were expected to be released later in the night.

Students Allege Police Assault

The protesting students accused Delhi Police of using excessive force. The All India Students’ Association (AISA)claimed that JNUSU office bearers were “brutally beaten up” when they attempted to march out of the JNU West Gate.

“JNUSU president and other students were brutalised by Delhi Police while demanding FIR against ABVP’s violence across School GBMs,” AISA said in a statement. Several students also alleged that police personnel assaulted them with batons when they tried to break through barricades.

However, DCP Goel rejected these accusations, insisting that the police “acted within the law” and detained students only to maintain public order and prevent escalation.

Campus Tensions and Political Reactions

The incident has once again brought JNU into the national spotlight, highlighting persistent ideological tensions between Left and Right student groups on campus.

The Left-affiliated organizations, including AISA and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), alleged that the administration and police were protecting ABVP members by refusing to lodge an FIR. “We were forced to take out the march because no action was taken even 24 hours after the assault,” one JNUSU leader said.

In contrast, ABVP members claimed that the Left groups were trying to “politicize” the issue ahead of the upcoming JNU Students’ Union elections, which are expected to be held next month.

ABVP’s Response

ABVP denied all allegations of violence, claiming instead that their members were attacked by Left-leaning studentsduring Friday’s GBM. “The Left is trying to create unrest on campus because they know they will lose the upcoming elections,” an ABVP spokesperson told reporters.

Upcoming Elections and Heightened Tensions

The JNUSU elections, scheduled for next month, are already being seen as a crucial political battle between Left and Right student factions.
In a statement quoted by India Today, AISA accused ABVP of trying to “disrupt the electoral process” through intimidation and violence.

“Due to this, their defeat is guaranteed this election. This is the reason they are resorting to violence,” the group said.

Current Situation

As of late Saturday night, police presence around the JNU main gate and Nelson Mandela Marg had been increased to prevent further flare-ups. The detained students were expected to be released after questioning, while the administration held emergency meetings to assess the situation.

Traffic movement on Nelson Mandela Marg was briefly disrupted but later restored, police said.

The incident marks another flashpoint in JNU’s long history of campus confrontations between rival student groups, underscoring growing tensions ahead of the polls.