4 injured as ABVP, Left-backed student groups clash at JNU

New Delhi, March 1

A clash erupted at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) late Thursday night, leaving at least four students injured. The altercation occurred in the School of Languages building over the selection of election committee members for the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU).

Students from both the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Left-backed groups were involved in the violent confrontation, which led to police complaints being filed by both parties at the Vasant Kunj North police station.

Vice-Chancellor Santishree D Pandit condemned the violence, stating, “Strict action will be taken against those involved irrespective of their political affiliation. The JNU elections must be conducted peacefully, and any disruption to the democratic process will not be tolerated.”

She further added, “The Inter-Hostel Administration (IHA) will investigate any complaints filed by the students’ body, and strict action will be taken against those found guilty.”

Expressing concern for the injured students, Pandit emphasised, “Once the medico-legal cases are completed, appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.” She warned that further acts of violence could result in the postponement of the JNUSU polls, urging students to maintain peace on campus.

Video evidence of the incident circulated online, depicting scenes of students being attacked with sticks and other objects. The ABVP claimed that two of its members, seen in the videos defending themselves, were targeted by Left-backed groups.

However, Left-backed student groups alleged that ABVP members initiated the violence due to dissatisfaction with the election committee selection process. JNUSU joint secretary Mohammad Danish reported receiving threats to his life based on his religious identity and claimed to have been held hostage during the altercation.

The All-India Students’ Association (AISA), representing Left-backed students, issued a statement accusing ABVP members of wielding rods and targeting Muslim students. They also accused the JNU administration of favouring the RSS-affiliated student group.

“The ABVP goons resorted to violence against students when thwarted by JNU students during the selection process for the election committee,” the AISA statement claimed, alleging, “Muslim students were singled out and attacked, demonstrating a clear bias against certain communities.”

The Left students’ group detailed instances of its members being chased and beaten by ABVP members, calling for accountability from the university administration.