Tensions escalated at Jawaharlal Nehru University on Thursday (Feb 26) afternoon as a planned “Long March” by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) turned into violent clashes between protesting students and Delhi Police personnel stationed outside the campus gates.
According to Delhi Police, around 400 to 500 students gathered on campus and attempted to march from the university to the Ministry of Education despite being denied permission to hold any protest outside the university premises. The situation reportedly escalated around 3:20 pm when students moved towards the main gate and attempted to breach police barricades set up at the North Gate.
Police officials said that approximately 25 personnel were injured in the scuffle, including senior officers such as ACP Ved Prakash, ACP Sanghamitra, SHO Atul Tyagi and SHO Ajai Yadav. The police alleged that protesters damaged barricades, pelted banners and sticks, threw shoes, and in some instances physically assaulted personnel.
“During the protest, barricades were damaged, and the demonstration turned violent. Protestors pelted banners and sticks, threw shoes, and even physically assaulted Delhi Police personnel, including biting,” police said in an official statement. Officers added that those who allegedly turned violent and disobeyed lawful orders were detained and gradually pushed back inside the campus.
VIDEO | The recent protest at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi escalated into violence, leading to the detention of 51 students, with heavy deployment of Delhi Police. More details awaited.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/PWJ9na2wfG
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 26, 2026
So far, 14 people have been arrested, including JNUSU president Aditi Mishra, former president Nitish Kumar, vice president Gopika Babu, and joint secretary Danish Ali. An FIR has been registered at Vasant Kunj North police station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to obstructing public servants and assaulting officials in the discharge of duty.
The march was part of an ongoing confrontation between student leaders and the university administration over several issues. These include demands regarding University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, the rustication of certain student union office-bearers, and remarks made by Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit on a podcast.
Students have also raised demands related to the proposed Rohith Act and alleged that disciplinary action against certain union members was politically motivated. The administration, however, stated that the rustication followed a proctorial inquiry into alleged vandalism and violence inside the campus.
In its statement, the university maintained that some of the demands by JNUSU, particularly those seeking implementation of specific UGC regulations, contradict a stay order issued by the Supreme Court. The administration described the university as a public institution accountable to the government and taxpayers and criticised what it termed “false allegations” against the Vice Chancellor.
#WATCH | Delhi | JNU Student Union continue their protest, demanding UGC regulations to be implemented. Delhi Police have set up barricades to contain the students inside the campus. Heavy security deployed. pic.twitter.com/OBNVHL0xBQ
— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2026
While police maintain that force was used only to control an unlawful assembly, protesting students have levelled serious counter-allegations. JNUSU claimed that the university’s main gate was locked with chains and reinforced with multiple barricades, preventing students from exercising their democratic right to march.
Student leaders alleged that more than 50 individuals were detained and taken to “undisclosed locations,” and that several injured protesters were initially denied medical assistance. Videos purportedly showing clashes and the snatching of the portrait surfaced on social media, though their authenticity has not been independently verified.
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Association (JNUTA) condemned what it described as a “brutal use of force” and demanded the immediate release of detained students. The association expressed concern over reports that some detainees were taken to unconfirmed locations and alleged that women students were among those injured.
Delhi Police reiterated that officers were carrying out their duty to maintain law and order and prevent an unauthorised march beyond campus limits. Officials stated that the protesters were repeatedly asked to disperse but allegedly refused to comply.
The FIR includes charges under sections dealing with obstruction of public servants, voluntarily causing hurt to deter officials from duty, assault, and common intention. Authorities said further details would be shared after preliminary investigations.
Following the arrests, JNUSU called for a “complete lockdown” of the campus and announced plans for a second march later in the evening from the JNU Main Gate to Vasant Kunj Police Station, urging students to gather in large numbers.
