Four students prohibited from JNU campus, after fight on Wednesday

JNU on Saturday issued a notice declaring the campus off-limits for four students studying a BA, MA, and Mphil-PhD for engaging in a physical altercation with a fellow campus student, two days after a fight broke out amongst students.

The notice issued by the chief proctor said that the students pursuing different courses were involved in a physical fight with another fellow student on November 9 at midnight at Narmada Hostel. Subsequently, as per the rules of discipline and proper conduct of students at JNU, the vice-chancellor declared the campus out of bounds for the students until an inquiry was completed. The students were also required to cooperate with the inquiry committee.

On Thursday, university registrar Ravikesh said that a scuffle between two groups of students broke out on campus today due to personal animosity. “JNU authority has taken a serious view of the matter and has instructed the Dean of Students and the Security branch to take necessary steps and submit a detailed report on this incident. The administration reiterates its resolve for zero tolerance towards any form of violence on campus and appeals to the student groups to desist from resorting to violence and taking the law into their hands failing which strict action will be taken as per university rule,” said the registrar.

Over the past four to five years, there have been numerous fights between various organisations on the JNU campus. An altercation between two groups of students—left-associated groups and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP)—over the preparation of non-vegetarian food in the dinner menu of the Kaveri Hostel on Sunday evening when Ram Navmi was being celebrated—led to violence breaking out on the JNU campus earlier this year in April.

A group of students and instructors were planning a march on January 5, 2020 at the T-point next to the Sabarmati dormitory when a gang of people allegedly attacked them while mask-clad and equipped with hammers, clubs, and rods. The students were beaten up by the mob after they stormed into various dorms, including Periyar and Sabarmati. Aishe Ghosh, a member of the JNU Student Union, was also assaulted by a mob during the incident.