The JNUSU and ABVP students took out separate marches
Delhi Police have registered an FIR in connection with a clash between two groups of students in the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus, allegedly over non-vegetarian food being served in the hostel mess on the occasion of Ram Navami, officials said today.
At least sixteen students from both sides - Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) - were injured as chaos reigned on the campus yesterday evening.
Police said the case was registered based on a complaint filed by members of JNUSU, SFI, DSF and AISA early this morning against unknown ABVP students.
The FIR has been registered under section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 341 (wrongful restraint), 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code. "Further probe is on to collect evidence and identify culprits," officials said.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Manoj C said that ABVP members have intimated that they will also be filing a complaint today. "On receipt of the same necessary appropriate legal action will be taken, he added.
The JNUSU has alleged that the ABVP members stopped students from eating non-vegetarian food in the hostel mess and created a violent atmosphere. However, the ABVP denied the charge and claimed that "Leftists" obstructed a puja programme organised at the hostel on Ram Navami.
Both sides have accused each other of throwing stones and injuring their members. After the violence, the JNUSU and ABVP students took out separate marches inside the university campus.
Police said they rushed to the campus with their teams soon after receiving the PCR call and ensured no further escalation of violence. The injured students were then taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, officials said.