Two prominent Left-backed student groups have staged protests at Delhi University’s North Campus, calling for decisive action against DUSU Joint Secretary Deepika Jha. Jha is accused of physically assaulting a faculty member at Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar College. Jha, who is affiliated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), was recently elected as the DUSU joint secretary.
In a statement, Jha explained her presence at the college was to address student complaints regarding the alleged misconduct and physical assault by the teacher, Sujit Kumar. She further claimed that Professor Kumar threatened her, used abusive language in the principal’s office, and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
Jha stated, “His repeated threats, constant staring, and indecent remarks made it quite evident that the said professor had once again come to the college under the influence of alcohol. In that moment of distress and anger, I reacted impulsively, for which I sincerely express regret.”
A video circulating online appears to show a teacher being surrounded and assaulted within the principal’s office, with police present.
The Students’ Federation of India (SFI), backed by the Communist Party of India, condemned the incident, labeling it “a direct attack on the dignity and sanctity of educational spaces.” The SFI also highlighted this as part of a “growing pattern of intimidation and aggression by ABVP members” and called for a swift and impartial university inquiry.
Similarly, the All India Students’ Association (AISA) protested outside the DUSU office, demanding Jha’s resignation and disciplinary action. AISA stated, “Delhi University erupted in anger as students gheraoed the DUSU office demanding immediate action and resignation of DUSU Joint Secretary Deepika Jha.” AISA further alleged that Jha, along with DUSU President Aryan Mann and other ABVP members, manhandled teachers, including Professor Sujit Kumar, who leads the disciplinary committee.
AISA’s DU President, Saavy, commented, “This attack is not just on one professor but on the very idea of a university where teachers and students can think and dissent freely.”
In response to the incident, Delhi University has established an inquiry committee to investigate the matter.