In February 2016, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) became the epicenter of a major political controversy in India. A campus event protesting the execution of Afzal Guru led to allegations of anti-national slogans, resulting in the arrest of several student leaders on sedition charges. The incident, involving figures who publicly opposed policies associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP government, sparked nationwide debates on free speech, nationalism, and dissent. Years later, the trajectories of these students reflect the complex outcomes of such activism in India’s polarized political landscape.
Kanhaiya Kumar: From Student Leader to Congress Politician
Kanhaiya Kumar, then president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU), emerged as one of the most visible faces of the protests. Arrested on sedition charges, he spent time in custody before being released on bail. The episode catapulted him into national prominence as a symbol of resistance against what critics called government overreach.
Post the controversy, Kumar distanced himself from radical left politics. In 2021, he joined the Indian National Congress and took on a leadership role with the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI). He contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Begusarai on a CPI ticket and the 2024 elections from North East Delhi on a Congress ticket—both resulting in defeats. As of 2026, he remains active in Congress campaigns, particularly in Bihar, focusing on critiques of BJP policies on issues like unemployment and social justice.
Umar Khalid: Prolonged Incarceration Under UAPA
Umar Khalid, a former JNU student and activist, was arrested in the 2016 sedition case and later granted bail. However, his legal troubles intensified with his re-arrest in September 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. Authorities alleged his involvement in provocative speeches and larger conspiracy planning.
As of May 2026, Khalid has been in Tihar Jail for over five years without a full trial. Multiple bail applications have been rejected, including a recent Supreme Court decision on January 5, 2026, which acknowledged procedural delays but upheld the seriousness of the charges. Supporters view him as a political prisoner and emblem of suppressed dissent, while the government maintains the case involves national security concerns. Khalid has continued writing from prison, and the matter remains a focal point in discussions on bail rights and preventive detention laws.
Shehla Rashid: Shift Towards Moderation and Academia
Shehla Rashid, who served as JNUSU vice-president during the 2016 events, played a key role in leading protests but was not arrested in the sedition case. In the years following, she underwent a notable ideological shift. Rashid has publicly praised certain Modi government initiatives and distanced herself from hardline opposition narratives.
In 2024, she authored the book Role Models: Inspiring Stories of Indian Muslim Achievers, highlighting positive contributions within the community. She now works as an Assistant Professor of Sociology in a government college in Budgam, Kashmir, and has largely stepped away from high-profile political activism.
Anirban Bhattacharya: Transition to Arts and Entertainment
Anirban Bhattacharya, arrested alongside Khalid in 2016 and later bailed, pursued a different path. He has built a career as an actor, singer, director, and musician in Bengali cinema (Tollywood) and theater. While he occasionally faces controversies—such as industry disputes or complaints over satirical content—his focus has shifted from student politics to creative pursuits.
Broader Context and Legacy
The 2016 JNU episode deeply polarized public opinion. Critics saw it as an attempt to brand dissent as “anti-national,” while the government and its supporters framed the actions as necessary to counter elements undermining India’s sovereignty. Many other JNU students faced police cases, disciplinary actions, or scrutiny, yet leftist student groups continued to fare well in subsequent campus elections.
The case continues to echo in Indian politics. As recently as January 2026, protests at JNU over Khalid’s bail denial led to fresh FIRs and university warnings. The varied outcomes—mainstream politics for some, prolonged legal battles for others, ideological shifts, and career changes—illustrate how campus activism intersects with India’s broader debates on free speech, national security, and political accountability.
These developments underscore the enduring divisions in Indian society, where challenging power can lead to vastly different personal and professional journeys depending on evolving circumstances and choices. Legal cases remain ongoing, and new developments could further shape their stories.
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