Violence broke out at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) early Monday when Left-affiliated student groups clashed with members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The clash stemmed from protests by Left groups against alleged casteist remarks by the university’s Vice-Chancellor. Accusations flew between the groups, with the Left alleging attacks by ABVP members and the latter claiming harassment, escalating tensions on campus.
An ABVP student, Prateek Bhardwaj, recounted his harrowing experience during the attack. He described seeking refuge in a restroom, which was eventually besieged by a group of around 150 people who attempted to break in, filling the room with smoke and powder. Despite the chaos, no major injuries were reported, and only two students sought medical leave certificates from a government hospital following the incident.
The incident unfolded further as ABVP student Vaibhav Meena detailed a march by the Left that culminated in a pre-planned incursion by a masked crowd armed with sticks and rods. The group forcibly entered school premises, causing disruption and chaos. Authorities have launched initial inquiries into the violence, with ongoing investigations aimed at uncovering the full extent of the events and identifying those responsible.
