JNU rusticates 4 students after Barak Hostel attack leaves student blind in one eye
By TUF News Desk · Published 8 November 2026 · 3 min read
Fact-checked against 2+ independent sources · Editorial policy
Jawaharlal Nehru University has rusticated four students after a violent clash at Barak Hostel left a second-year student blind in one eye. The Proctor’s Office barred all four from the campus with immediate effect, pending a proctorial inquiry.
The attack took place around 3 pm on Thursday, November 5, in room 119 of Barak Hostel. Police said Saurabh, a second-year language student, was attacked with a meat cleaver by Ajay, an MA student who objected to his friendship with a woman student. Saurabh suffered serious injuries to his head, face, hand and eye, and was taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, where doctors said he had lost vision in his right eye.
Saurabh underwent surgery and was still under treatment at the trauma centre on Saturday evening, officials said. The hospital said he had also suffered multiple fractures and injuries to his nose, face and shoulders. Three other students were injured in the altercation, taking the total number of injured students to four. Ajay was among those injured. Eyewitnesses said bloodstains ran from the first floor of the hostel to the ground floor.
The woman student filed a complaint with the police after the incident. On Friday, the Vasant Kunj North police station registered an FIR, including charges of attempt to murder. No arrest had been made till Saturday evening, police said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Amit Goyal confirmed that an FIR had been registered and an investigation was underway.
What the university ordered
The Proctor’s Office issued the rustication order under Sections 32(1) and 32(3) of the JNU Act, 1966. All four students have been barred from entering the campus until the proctorial inquiry is complete. The administration also warned of strict disciplinary action against anyone found giving shelter to the rusticated students on campus.
In a statement, the university said it has robust institutional mechanisms for students to seek redressal of grievances and follows a zero-tolerance policy towards violence.
What happens next
The police investigation is still on, and the proctorial inquiry will decide the final disciplinary action against the four students. The rustication order stays in force until that inquiry ends. Students can follow updates on the official JNU website.
For students moving to a new city for college, the incident is a reminder to check what support a hostel offers before choosing where to stay. Our hostel vs PG guide covers the basics of weighing the two options.
Frequently asked questions
What happened at JNU’s Barak Hostel?
On November 5, a second-year language student was attacked with a meat cleaver in room 119 of Barak Hostel. He lost vision in his right eye and was taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre. Four students were injured in total.
How many students has JNU rusticated?
Four, under Sections 32(1) and 32(3) of the JNU Act, 1966. All four are barred from the campus until the proctorial inquiry is complete.
Has anyone been arrested in the case?
No. An FIR including attempt to murder charges was registered on November 6 at Vasant Kunj North police station, and police said no arrest had been made till Saturday evening.
Where can students report violence on campus?
JNU says it has institutional mechanisms for students to seek redressal of grievances. In this case, the police FIR was registered on the complaint of a woman student, and the university acted through its Proctor’s Office.
Frequently asked questions
What happened at JNU's Barak Hostel?
On November 5, a second-year language student was attacked with a meat cleaver in room 119 of Barak Hostel. He lost vision in his right eye and was taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre. Four students were injured in total.
How many students has JNU rusticated?
Four, under Sections 32(1) and 32(3) of the JNU Act, 1966. All four are barred from the campus until the proctorial inquiry is complete.
Has anyone been arrested in the case?
No. An FIR including attempt to murder charges was registered on November 6 at Vasant Kunj North police station, and police said no arrest had been made till Saturday evening.
Where can students report violence on campus?
JNU says it has institutional mechanisms for students to seek redressal of grievances. In this case, the police FIR was registered on the complaint of a woman student, and the university acted through its Proctor's Office.
Sources: ABP Live, The Tribune, Mid-Day