Several students, teachers injured in JNU violence; MHA orders probe

Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union President Aishe Ghosh, General Secretary Satish Chandra are among the people injured.

(ANI Photo)

New Delhi: Several students and teachers of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) were attacked and campus vandalised by "masked people" on Sunday evening. Prohibitory orders have been imposed on the campus and several police troops have been deployed outside the campus. 

Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) President Aishe Ghosh, General Secretary Satish Chandra are among the people injured. "I have been brutally beaten up by masked people. I don`t know who they were," Ghosh was quoted as saying by ANI.

Sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik to take stock of the situation in JNU. The Police has been asked to investigate the incident and submit a report soon. 

The HRD Ministry too sought a report into the campus violence from the university registrar. "We have spoken to JNU VC as well as police officials to ensure peace is maintained on campus," HRD officials told sources.

In the aftermath of the violence, varsity administration issued a statement claiming that there was a "law and order situation" as masked men armed with sticks were vandalising property and attacking people.  

"There was a law order situation on the JNU campus. Masked miscreants armed with sticks are roaming around, damaging property and attacking people. This is the moment to remain calm and be on the alert. In view of the largeness of the campus number 100 can also be dialled. Efforts are already being made to tackle the miscreants," the statement read.

An AIIMS official said that 18 people from JNU were brought to the hospital's Trauma Centre with head injuries and abrasions among other injuries.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal condemned the attack on students and expressed shock at the brutality. "I am shocked to know about violence at JNU. Students attacked brutally. Police should immediately stop violence and restore peace. How will the country progress if our students will not be safe inside the university?" Kejriwal said in a tweet.

I am so shocked to know abt the violence at JNU. Students attacked brutally. Police shud immediately stop violence and restore peace. How will the country progress if our students will not be safe inside univ campus? — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 5, 2020

Kejriwal wrote that he spoke to Delhi's L-G Anil Baijal urging him to restore order in the campus and was assured that the latter was "closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary steps".

Earlier there were reports of vandalism from the Periyar hostel, the ABVP alleged that Left students had forcibly entered the hostel and thrashed the ABVP activists. ABVP claims its presidential candidate Manish Jangid was badly injured after the assault.