JNU Students Detained Amid Protests Over Vice Chancellor's Remarks
Protests Erupt at Jawaharlal Nehru University
On Thursday, numerous students from Jawaharlal Nehru University were detained while attempting to march towards the Union Ministry of Education. They were protesting against Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, demanding her resignation due to her alleged casteist comments, as reported by a news outlet.
Reports indicate that over 50 students were taken into custody, including two office bearers from the JNU Students Association and a former union president.
Students have been calling for Pandit's resignation following her controversial statement in an interview, where she suggested that Dalits could not progress by perpetually adopting a victim mentality.
During the protests, demonstrators also raised concerns regarding the recent rustication of five student union leaders for purportedly damaging surveillance equipment at the Ambedkar Library, according to another news source.
The protesters demanded the implementation of a Rohith Act aimed at combating caste-based discrimination within educational institutions.
Clashes occurred between the students and police during the march. While law enforcement claimed they were assaulted by the demonstrators, students accused the police of using excessive force against them.
The police have filed a first information report citing various offenses, including obstructing public servants and causing harm to deter them from their duties.
Students reported injuries due to the force used by the police, as highlighted in a video released by the Students Federation of India, which depicted security personnel clashing with protesters.
Delhi Police beating and detaining JNU students for raising their rightful demand for the Rohith Act pic.twitter.com/xDPRnpATeJ
— SFI JNU Unit (@sfijnuunit) February 26, 2026
The police stated that the students had organized a 'Long March' from the JNU campus to the Ministry of Education. They claimed that the university administration had denied permission for protests outside the campus and advised students to remain within university grounds.
Despite this, approximately 400 to 500 students gathered and began their march around 3:20 PM, attempting to reach the ministry.
Law enforcement intercepted the protesters at the North Gate and redirected them back inside the campus.
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers’ Association condemned the police's use of force and called for the immediate release of those detained. They expressed concern for the safety of female students among those arrested, alleging that laws protecting women from male police action were violated.
“There are several women among them, and they have been taken to unconfirmed locations that are far away from the campus,” the teachers’ association stated.