JNUSU refutes police allegations over India Gate protest, calls FIR claims 'malicious'

The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) on Wednesday distanced itself from a recent protest at India Gate, rejecting Delhi Police’s claim that it had participated in or helped organise the event, during which alleged pro-Maoist slogans were reportedly chanted.

The union dismissed the allegations outlined in the police’s First Information Report (FIR) as false and malicious, insisting it had already informed authorities of its non-involvement. The protest, which took place on November 23 under the banner of the Delhi Coordinate Committee for Clean Air, has come under scrutiny following the circulation of videos showing participants allegedly shouting slogans in support of slain CPI (Maoist) commander Madvi Hidma.

The FIR noted: "It was known from social media and reliable sources that on November 23 at 4 pm, under the banner of the Delhi Coordinate Committee for Clean Air, members of AISA, JNUSU, etc, would protest at India Gate."

In response, JNUSU stated, "We have records of our communication with Delhi Police confirming JNUSU is neither the organiser nor a participant in the programme. Despite repeated notifications, such acts of misattribution only raise suspicions about the intentions of Delhi Police."

The FIR highlighted several slogans allegedly heard at the protest, including: "Hidma amar rahe," "kitne Hidma maroge, har ghar se Hidma niklega," and "Hidma ji ko laal salaam." Police claimed multiple warnings were issued asking the demonstrators to disperse, citing the fact that protests are not allowed at the India Gate complex.

A police official commented, "India Gate is not a designated protest site. Protesters jumped barricades, blocked the C Hexagon and refused to disperse." At least 22 people were arrested on charges ranging from assaulting police officers to obstructing their duties and using pepper spray.

JNUSU has accused the police of using excessive force and has demanded the immediate release of the detained students, labelling the actions as "brutality and repression."

Scientists for Society (SFS), one of the participating groups, has since stated that the controversial slogans were raised by members of Himkhand and the Bhagat Singh Chhatra Ekta Manch.

The incident has also prompted political reactions. Delhi Law Minister Kapil Mishra posted a video on social media platform X, alleging that "Jihadis and Naxalites have a new mask — becoming social activists." His remarks have intensified the debate, drawing sharp responses online.