• Source:JND
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Delhi: At least 28 students from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) were detained on Saturday after they attempted to march to the Vasant Kunj police station. The demonstration, organised by Left-backed members of the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU), turned tense when a clash reportedly left six police personnel injured. The protest was held in response to alleged police inaction over a complaint filed by JNUSU president Nitish Kumar earlier in the week.

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) witnessed high tension on Saturday as a protest march by students led to the detention of 28 participants, including JNUSU president Nitish Kumar, vice-president Manisha, and general secretary Muntia Fatima. 

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The demonstration was organised after Kumar alleged that he had been physically assaulted, held hostage, and subjected to caste-based abuse by members of the ABVP following a meeting to select the election committee for the upcoming union polls.

In response, the ABVP accused Left-affiliated students of resorting to violence and making derogatory remarks about students from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The JNUSU claimed the police had failed to act on Kumar’s complaint and announced a march to the Vasant Kunj North police station to demand the registration of an FIR.

According to officials, police were aware of the planned protest and had been in contact with student representatives, assuring them that legal steps would follow. However, students went ahead with their “gherao” call. 

Around 6 pm, nearly 70-80 students gathered at JNU’s west gate, prompting police to set up barricades to stop them from heading towards Nelson Mandela Marg.

"Despite repeated requests, the students forcefully pushed through and broke the barricades, manhandled police personnel, used abusive language and moved onto Nelson Mandela Marg, causing temporary obstruction of traffic," the officer said.

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During the ensuing scuffle, six police personnel, four men and two women, sustained injuries and were taken for medical examination. While students alleged they were dragged and beaten before being detained, the police denied any manhandling.

JNUSU joint secretary Vaibhav Meena, affiliated with ABVP, said, "This incident was an insult to the dignity of JNU. Differences of opinion are natural, but responding to disagreement with violence and spreading regional hatred is against democracy."

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