On February 26, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Student Union organized a protest against the casteist remarks made by the university's Vice-Chancellor. The protests not only condemned the comments but also raised demands for cuts to university funding, removal of student union officials, and the implementation of the UGC equity regulations alongside the Rohith Act. During these protests, students planned a 'Long March' to the Ministry of Education to assert their grievances and calls for social justice.

However, the protest turned violent when the Delhi police, in collaboration with the university's administration, allegedly launched a brutal attack on the demonstrators despite hundreds gathering for a peaceful assembly. Reports indicate that many students suffered injuries, with visible signs of assault and bleeding. Prominent student leaders, including JNUSU President Aditi and other key members, were detained by the police for over 14 hours. In the aftermath, the police arrested 14 students, citing serious charges under various sections of the law, which has raised concerns about police response to student activism.

This incident raises significant questions about the state of democracy and freedom of expression within educational institutions in India. It reflects deeper systemic issues regarding caste discrimination and the struggle for social justice among students at JNU. The violent crackdown on what was intended as a democratic protest has sparked debates on the limitations of peaceful assembly in the face of institutional power, urging a reassessment of the university's role in safeguarding student rights and fostering an environment of inclusivity.