A significant controversy has arisen at Delhi’s Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar College following an incident where Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) joint secretary and ABVP member Deepika Jha allegedly slapped professor Sujit Kumar during a disciplinary committee meeting. The event, which occurred in the presence of Delhi Police personnel, has drawn sharp criticism from teachers and student organizations, prompting the Delhi University to form an inquiry committee.
A police official confirmed that a complaint has been lodged and an investigation is underway. Authorities are reviewing video evidence and obtaining CCTV footage to ascertain the facts.
‘I Felt Angry, I Raised My Hand’
Deepika Jha acknowledged slapping Professor Kumar, stating it was a reaction to verbal abuse and inappropriate conduct. She explained that during a discussion, after she pointed out his public smoking and its negative impression on students, he resorted to verbal abuse. Jha further claimed that the professor had been staring and smirking at her despite her discomfort, and it was his abusive language that led to her slapping him, an action she admits she should not have taken.
In an apology video released later, Jha stated that Professor Kumar had threatened and stared at her in front of the police and appeared to be intoxicated. She expressed regret for the incident and apologized to the teaching community, emphasizing that it was not her intention to offend anyone.
Professor Kumar, however, presented a different account, alleging that ABVP members entered the meeting uninvited. He linked the confrontation to an earlier oath-taking ceremony where students, allegedly affiliated with ABVP, attacked the elected college president. Kumar mentioned suspending three ABVP-affiliated students, and that one of them was involved in assaulting the student president in his presence. He further claimed that ABVP members supported the students involved in the scuffle, and he faced pressure to resign before the physical altercation with Jha.
Disciplinary Meeting Convened Amidst Student Scuffle
The meeting involving Professor Kumar was reportedly called to address recent violence involving ABVP members allegedly assaulting other students, as reported by the Democratic Teachers’ Front (DTF). A video circulating online, purportedly from CCTV footage, appears to show Jha slapping Kumar during a discussion, with police personnel present.
In response to the incident, Delhi University has established a six-member inquiry committee, led by Professor Neeta Sehgal, to investigate the assault. The committee is expected to submit its report within two weeks. The incident has generated widespread concern among university faculty, with the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) organizing a protest. Student organizations, including the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), have also condemned the event and called for accountability from all involved parties.