Leftists at Jawaharlal Nehru University insult Hindu legacy by desecrating Maharana Pratap’s portrait
South West Delhi, Delhi, India 
7 April, 2025
Case Summary
A controversy erupted at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) following the reported desecration of a portrait of Maharana Pratap. According to students, some individuals affiliated with left-wing groups allegedly trampled on the portrait. The incident triggered sharp reactions on campus, with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) strongly condemning the act and staging a protest. The incident has reignited the debate around ideological clashes on campus, with the ABVP accusing left-aligned students of repeatedly disrespecting national icons and attempting to undermine the legacy of historical figures who symbolise resistance against foreign aggression. JNU, which has frequently been at the centre of student-led agitations and political disagreements, once again finds itself in the spotlight over actions that have drawn criticism for perceived disrespect towards cultural and historical sentiments. On February 19, 2023, clashes erupted between 2 student groups at Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi. Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) alleged that the members of Left student organisations vandalized Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s portrait in the office of the student union on the occasion of his birth anniversary at the university. Reportedly, over a half-dozen ABVP students were injured in the incident.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
This case has been added to the tracker under the primary category of- Attack on Hindu religious representations. Within this, the sub-category selected is- Desecration of Hindu religious symbol. Icons and symbols or a religious representation of a spiritual ideal are widely revered in Hinduism. Iconography is of vital significance in the Hindu milieu. It helps connect people’s spiritual beliefs with the real world. Iconography within the Hindu faith takes several shapes and forms. Murtis are of most significance to Hindus, to which daily rituals, prayers and offerings are done. Besides the murtis, there are several other symbols which have deep significance in the Hindu faith – the Om and Swastika for example. Since these Hindu religious symbols hold paramount importance in Hinduism, any desecration of symbols, icons, murtis, religious representations and manifestations, is driven by animosity towards the faith itself which manifests itself through these murtis, icons and symbols. Therefore, any desecration of these Hindu religious symbols and representations is considered religiously motivated hate crimes under this category. Maharana Pratap is not merely a historical figure but a revered icon within Hindu consciousness, widely respected for his valour, resistance against foreign invasions, and defence of Dharma. Acts of deliberate desecration—such as trampling on his portrait—are not isolated expressions of dissent but targeted provocations meant to insult and denigrate the collective identity, sentiments, and heritage of the Hindu community. When symbols integral to a community’s spiritual and cultural identity are deliberately disrespected, it reflects not just ideological disagreement but deep-seated animosity toward the faith itself. Therefore, this act is emblematic of religiously motivated hate, intended to offend and provoke, and must be recognised and addressed as a hate crime under existing frameworks that protect religious freedom and cultural dignity.
Case Status
Unknown
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
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