The video of the incident, lasting approximately 35 seconds, was reportedly recorded on January 5, 2026, and went viral the following day. Sources indicate that the slogans were allegedly raised in response to the Supreme Court denying bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, both accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. Four other accused in the same case—Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa-ur-Rehman, and Mohammad Saleem Khan—were granted bail by the Supreme Court on January 5.

The JNU administration condemned the incident, stating that the campus would not be allowed to become a “laboratory of hatred.” It emphasized that any form of violence, illegal activity, or action undermining national unity would not be tolerated. Students found guilty of violating campus regulations will face suspension.

Political reactions have been sharply divided. BJP leaders described the slogans as anti-national and in support of accused rioters, with Union Minister Giriraj Singh claiming the university has become an “office of the Tukde-Tukde Gang.” Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa warned that individuals spreading unrest would face legal consequences. Congress and CPI(M) leaders, including Udit Raj and Hannan Mollah, argued that the slogans reflected dissent and anger over the Supreme Court’s decisions and should be considered ideological rather than personally targeted.

The slogans were raised during an annual protest marking the January 5, 2020, JNU campus violence, when masked assailants attacked students in three hostels with sticks, stones, and iron rods. At least 28 people were injured during that incident, and over 750 FIRs were registered across Delhi in connection with the riots.

The Supreme Court’s refusal to grant bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam bars any fresh applications for one year. Khalid has been in custody since September 13, 2020, while Imam has been in judicial custody since January 28, 2020. Both had challenged previous bail rejections under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Authorities continue to monitor the situation on campus, reviewing security footage and statements to ensure law and order is maintained while investigations proceed.