AMN /
Teachers and students of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and journalists were attacked and threatened at a Delhi Patiala court today. The violence erupted just before a JNU student arrested for sedition was to be produced before a magistrate.
The clashes took place just before arrested student Kanhaiya Kumar was to be produced. Mr Kumar, the president of the JNU students’ union, was arrested on Friday for allegedly participating in an event to mark the anniversary of the execution of Afzal Guru, during which anti-India slogans were allegedly raised.
On camera, a large group of lawyers in black jackets was seen manhandling people while slogans of “Long Live India, Down With JNU” were heard in the background. The policemen did nothing to stop the unruly group.
A BJP lawmaker, OP Sharma, was also seen attacking a person believed to be a student of JNU outside the court.
“Seven faculty members including five women were manhandled and pushed in court,” said JNU professor Ayesha Kidwai, who was among those allegedly attacked. “The murderous mob was baying for blood and the cops just stood and watched. The attackers were men in lawyers’ clothes but they were clearly on the wrong side of the law,” she alleged.
A lawyer was seen thrashing and kicking a person as teachers and students were forced to leave the courtroom. Journalists were also beaten severely, threatened and their mobiles were snatched.
Delhi Police Chief BS Bassi said the incidents were “minor in nature”.