JNU Shock: Shivang Dubey, Who Scrawled Casteist Slurs in Ambedkar Library, Detained

New Delhi – In a swift and decisive response to the defacement of a reading table with casteist and misogynist slurs in Jawaharlal Nehru University’s (JNU) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Central Library, the Birsa Ambedkar Phule Students’ Association (BAPSA) played a pivotal role in identifying and bringing the perpetrator, Shivang Dubey, to justice.

Immediately after the discovery of the offensive writings, including "Ch$# C&$@d" and "Chamar ki Maa ki C$*t," BAPSA members visited the library and meticulously reviewed the CCTV footage, which clearly captured Dubey committing the act. The organization promptly released the footage and submitted it as evidence, filing complaints with the Librarian, the Vice Chancellor, and the Vasant Kunj North Police Station on August 18. As a direct result of BAPSA’s efforts and the compelling evidence provided, the Vasant Kunj Police has detained Shivang Dubey for questioning.

The BAPSA members confronted Dubey and asked him how he dared commit such an atrocity against Dalit communities? Dubey reportedly confessed that his actions were influenced by one Manish Pandey, a member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

According to Dubey, Pandey fueled his existing caste prejudices by making derogatory remarks like “SC/ST are like this,” which incited him to write the slurs targeting Dalit communities. BAPSA revealed that Pandey, who contested and won a position in the Kaveri Hostel election as an ABVP candidate, played a role in amplifying casteist sentiments.

This revelation has ignited a firestorm, with BAPSA accusing the BJP-RSS-ABVP nexus of orchestrating a deliberate campaign to spread caste hatred within JNU. The organization insists that this is not an isolated act but part of a broader Brahmanical agenda to humiliate and marginalize Bahujan communities on campus. BAPSA has demanded that the police register an FIR against Manish Pandey and ABVP under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, in addition to the charges against Dubey. They have also called on the JNU administration to issue a strong condemnation and hold those responsible accountable, rather than shielding casteist elements that they claim are poisoning the campus atmosphere.

BAPSA has demanded that the police register an FIR against Manish Pandey and ABVP under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, in addition to the charges against Dubey. They have also called on the JNU administration to issue a strong condemnation and hold those responsible accountable, rather than shielding casteist elements that they claim are poisoning the campus atmosphere.

Shivang Dubey has allegedly issued a public apology that has been circulating widely on social media. The Mooknayak has not verified the authenticity of the letter. In the statement, he allegedly expressed deep regret for his actions, acknowledging that the casteist and misogynist comments were an attack on the dignity of Dalit communities and a violation of human decency. “There is no justification for such words, and I take full responsibility for the harm I have caused,” Dubey wrote. He admitted to being influenced by harmful content on social media, particularly Instagram reels, but emphasized that this was no excuse.

Dubey clarified that the person sitting next to him during the incident was not involved and took sole responsibility for his actions. He committed to unlearning casteist behavior, participating in anti-caste sensitization programs, and working in solidarity with Dalit struggles. “I understand that an apology alone cannot undo the hurt or repair the trust I broke, but I hope this can be a step toward accountability,” he added, seeking forgiveness and vowing to ensure such acts are never repeated.

The Mooknayak attempted to contact Avichal Warke, the president of the Birsa Ambedkar Phule Students’ Association (BAPSA) for more details. However, Warke’s phone was reported to be out of reach, preventing us from obtaining his direct comment on the matter.

The incident has intensified the spotlight on JNU’s ongoing struggle with caste-based discrimination. BAPSA’s protest rally on August 18, which saw participation from Bahujan and progressive student groups, underscored the community’s resolve to combat such bigotry.

The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) JNU Unit and the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) have also condemned the act, with JNUSU Joint Secretary Vaibhav Meena calling for unity against prejudice in academic spaces. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with reactions, with users sharing images of the defaced table and criticizing societal apathy toward Dalit issues.