Delhi University’s administration has established a six-member inquiry committee to investigate the alleged physical assault on a faculty member at Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar College. The incident involves Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) Joint Secretary Deepika Jha, a member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
In an official statement released on Friday, the university announced that Professor Neeta Sehgal from the Department of Zoology will chair the committee. DU Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh has given the panel two weeks to submit its findings.
Other distinguished members of the committee include Professor Jyoti Trehan Sharma, Joint Proctor of DU and member secretary; Professor (Dr.) Rama, Principal of Hansraj College; Professor Swati Diwakar from the Department of Environmental Studies; Professor Darvinder Kumar, Principal of PGDAV College; and Awadhesh Kumar, Joint Proctor.
The Incident
The controversy began when a video circulated online, reportedly showing DUSU Joint Secretary Deepika Jha striking Professor Sujit Kumar of the Department of Commerce. The alleged incident took place within the principal’s office at Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, even as police personnel were present.
The Democratic Teachers’ Front (DTF) claims that Jha, along with other ABVP members, assaulted Professor Kumar, who is also the convener of the college’s disciplinary committee, while he was carrying out his official responsibilities.
Professor Kumar, speaking to ANI, recounted that the incident happened during a student union oath-taking ceremony, held concurrently with a fresher’s party. He stated that violence erupted after the newly elected union president was attacked by certain students, compelling him to stop the event.
“The elected president, who was about to take his oath, was attacked by students. He reported it to me, and I promised it wouldn’t reoccur. However, when he returned, he was assaulted again. I insisted the ceremony be halted, which led to shouting. I then officially stopped the program,” Kumar explained.
Kumar further alleged that approximately 50 to 100 DUSU members stormed the campus, assaulted both male and female faculty, and later coerced him into resigning within the principal’s office. “The police escorted me to the principal’s room with student leaders, the principal, and some officials. They pressured me to resign, which I did. Then, Deepika attempted to sit next to me, and when she was prevented, she stepped forward and slapped me,” Kumar told ANI.
A CCTV video, reportedly shared by teachers, shows Jha rising during a discussion and striking the professor sitting beside her. A female police officer present at the scene can be seen trying to intervene.
Deepika Jha’s Statement
Deepika Jha, in her statement to PTI, asserted that she had visited the college to address student grievances against Professor Kumar, alleging misbehavior and physical assault. She claimed that Kumar “threatened” her, used “abusive language” in the principal’s office, and seemed to be intoxicated.
“Inside the principal’s office, with police present, Professor Sujit threatened me and used abusive language. I promptly requested police intervention, but no action was taken. His persistent threats, constant staring, and inappropriate comments strongly suggested he was again under the influence of alcohol. In a moment of intense distress and anger, I reacted impulsively, and for that, I sincerely apologize,” Jha stated.
She further extended her apologies to the teaching community, clarifying that she had “no intention whatsoever to disrespect teachers,” as reported by PTI.
Teachers’ Bodies Demand Action
The Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) has formally requested the Vice-Chancellor to conduct a swift and transparent investigation into the incident.
“We are profoundly shocked by the news that a senior teacher at B.R. Ambedkar College was slapped and assaulted by a group of students within college premises while on duty. Violence in any form is utterly unacceptable in a democratic institution. This represents a direct assault on a teacher’s dignity,” DUTA conveyed in its letter to the Vice-Chancellor, according to PTI.
The association emphasized that “stringent action” against the perpetrators would serve as a powerful deterrent against indiscipline and lawlessness on campus.
Meanwhile, faculty members from various colleges have voiced their outrage. Rudrashish Chakraborty, an Associate Professor at Kirori Mal College, described the event as “shocking but hardly surprising,” claiming that similar actions by ABVP members have consistently gone unaddressed. “This incident is part of a pattern of unruly behavior by ABVP across Delhi University and the nation, often facilitated by the active support of the DU administration,” Chakraborty informed PTI.
Student Protests Intensify
Following the incident, two Left-leaning student organizations, the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the All India Students’ Association (AISA), staged protests at Delhi University’s North Campus on Friday, calling for Jha’s resignation and robust disciplinary measures.
The SFI condemned the assault as “a direct attack on the dignity and sanctity of educational spaces,” highlighting what they described as “a growing pattern of intimidation and aggression by ABVP members.”
AISA members surrounded the DUSU office, demanding the immediate suspension of the joint secretary. “This attack targets not just one professor but the fundamental concept of a university where teachers and students can freely express thoughts and dissent,” stated Saavy, AISA Delhi University President.
Inquiry Underway
The university administration has pledged an impartial investigation. The six-member committee, led by Professor Neeta Sehgal, is responsible for reviewing all statements, video evidence, and witness testimonies pertaining to the incident.
The panel is expected to present its findings to the Vice-Chancellor within two weeks.