The protest, part of a week‑long student march, saw groups from SFI, DYFI, IYC and NSUI converge on Central Delhi, marching from Firoz Shah Road, Patel Chowk and Jantar Mantar.
Police detained the students in a convoy of three buses, with an NSUI member describing a woman constable, Chanchal Yadav, grabbing her by the neck and slapping her in front of the crowd.
An NSUI spokesperson said the assault left 20‑30 colleagues in each bus injured, with one worker, Athira, claiming she was kicked in the private parts by the same constable.
Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition, held a joint press briefing on Sansad Marg, walking with wounded protestors to recount their experience of police brutality.
NSUI workers marched to Parliament Street Police Station demanding the registration of an FIR, while the police have yet to file the complaint, leaving the protestors to press for accountability.
A 22‑year‑old student, who suffered a fractured cheekbone during the crackdown, tells reporters she fears the police will dismiss her injuries as mere scuffles, underscoring the stakes for students nationwide.