Police-students clash in JNU, 14 arrested after clash in long march; AISA imposed serious charges

On 26 February 2026, students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) tried to take out a ‘long march’ towards the Education Ministry. The march was mainly against the alleged casteist statements of Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, who in a recent podcast called for ‘permanent victimhood’ regarding UGC’s equity regulations, which students considered derogatory against Dalits and backward classes.

Also, the students were demanding implementation of UGC’s Equity (Anti-Discrimination) Regulations, enactment of the proposed ‘Rohit Vemula Act’ and resignation of the VC. To stop the march, heavy police force was deployed at the main gate, where several layers of barricades were installed. The students allege that the police lathi-charged, dragged the female students and indulged in brutality.

Police gave information – protesters had attacked

At the same time, Delhi Police says that the protesters broke barricades, threw sticks and shoes, attacked officers and even bit some policemen. Both sides suffered injuries in the confrontation—police said several of their soldiers were injured, while students also reported several injuries.

The incident started around 3:20 pm, when students started coming out of the main gate. The police stopped them at the North Gate and pushed them back into the campus. In videos viral on social media, male policemen are seen dragging female students, while in the footage shared by the police, students are seen confronting the officers.

By evening, some students were taken to Vasant Kunj North and Kapashera police stations and an FIR was registered at Vasant Kunj North police station under sections 221, 121(1), 132 and 3(5) of the Indian Code of Justice (BNS). Police say that the protesters did not have permission to march, so action was necessary. JNUSU has called it an ‘attack on democracy’.

Court granted bail to all 14 students

The next day of this incident, on February 27, the Patiala House Court granted bail to the 14 arrested students on a bond of Rs 25,000 and rejected the police’s demand for judicial custody. However, the court set the condition of checking the permanent address of the students, to which the student organizations objected.

AISA leader accuses police of assault

Former JNUSU president and All India Students Association (AISA) leader Dhananjay, while talking to ABP News, described the police action as ‘retaliatory’. He said, “On 26th, everyone knows how the students were brutally beaten and detained and taken to different police stations. Then they were arrested. Delhi Police’s argument in the court was so weak that the court called it ‘unacceptable’.”

Dhananjay further said that many students are badly injured. The police beat them brutally, tore their clothes and specifically targeted the students carrying the picture of Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar. “It clearly shows that Delhi Police is not interested in filing FIR, but in taking revenge.” He also raised questions on the condition of the jail: “Basic facilities are not being provided in the jail. There are no medicines, medical treatment. Even bedsheets and clothes are not being provided.”

Vice Chancellor also targeted

Dhananjay also targeted the VC, “The Vice Chancellor made fun of Dalit oppression. He called UGC’s regulation based on the Rohith Vemula Act, which is meant to prevent discrimination on campus, as ‘unnecessary and irrational’.”

Now student organizations are preparing for the fight ahead. Dhananjay said that he is appealing to the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court to look into the matter and release the students. “On March 1, we are going to the judge again. Remove the clause that has been imposed and grant bail to the students. Our lawyers Abhik Chimni and Ayush Srivastava are appealing on this. These are well-educated students and do not deserve to stay in jail.”

What did the JNU administration say?

The JNU administration has accused JNUSU of ‘vandalism and violence on campus’ and said that the union has ignored the main issues. At present, Delhi Police investigation is going on in this matter.