JNU Rusticates Five Students for Library Vandalism Scandal

Five JNU students, including JNUSU leaders, were rusticated for vandalising Facial Recognition Technology gates at Dr. B R Ambedkar Central Library. They caused significant damage, leading to injuries among security personnel, and face fines and disciplinary actions. The rustication covers Winter and Monsoon semesters of 2026.

In a bold disciplinary move, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has rusticated five PhD students, four of whom are JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) office-bearers, following charges of vandalism. The students were accused of damaging the Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) gates at Dr. B R Ambedkar Central Library on November 21, 2025.

The implicated students, including JNUSU president Aditi Mishra and vice president Kizhakoot Gopika Babu, have been barred from campus and fined Rs 20,000 each for their roles in the incident. According to the inquiry, the students dismantled the FRT equipment, ignoring security personnel's attempts to intervene, causing injuries to two female guards.

The rustication, effective for the Winter and Monsoon semesters of 2026, underscores the university's zero-tolerance stance on disruptions. JNU's administration warned that any provision of shelter to these students within campus hostels will attract further disciplinary action.

(With inputs from agencies.)