A heated situation unfolded at Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar College in Delhi on Thursday when Deepika Jha, the joint secretary of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) and an ABVP member, allegedly slapped Professor Sujit Kumar. The incident occurred during a disciplinary committee meeting, drawing immediate attention and subsequent backlash from both teachers and student organizations. In response, Delhi University has established an inquiry committee to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Authorities confirmed that a complaint has been lodged, and an investigation is underway. Police are examining available video footage and seeking CCTV evidence to ascertain the facts of the incident.
‘I felt angry, raised my hand’
Deepika Jha admitted to the physical altercation, stating it was a reaction to alleged verbal abuse and inappropriate conduct by Professor Kumar. She recounted that during their interaction, after she pointed out his public smoking and its negative impact on students, Kumar resorted to verbal abuse. Jha further alleged that Kumar was smirking and staring at her despite her discomfort, and his continued abuse led to her losing her temper and slapping him, an action she later acknowledged was not ideal.
In an apology video released on Friday, Jha elaborated, claiming Professor Kumar had threatened and stared at her in front of police officers and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. She expressed regret for the incident and apologized to the teaching community, emphasizing that her intent was not to offend anyone.
However, Professor Kumar presented a different account, alleging that ABVP members had entered the meeting uninvited. He explained that the confrontation stemmed from a prior incident following an oath-taking ceremony, where some students allegedly attacked the elected college president. Kumar stated that he had suspended three ABVP-affiliated students for their involvement in this earlier scuffle. He further alleged that the ABVP members sided with the involved students, and he faced pressure to resign. Kumar claimed Deepika Jha then slapped him, as captured in video footage.
Disciplinary meeting convened following student scuffle
According to the Democratic Teachers’ Front (DTF), the disciplinary meeting was initiated by Professor Sujit Kumar to address recent violence involving ABVP members reportedly assaulting other students.
A video, purportedly from CCTV, shows Kumar seated next to Jha in a meeting with several other individuals and police personnel. The footage appears to show Jha standing and slapping Kumar amidst an escalating discussion, with a female police officer intervening to de-escalate the situation.
DU establishes inquiry committee
In light of the incident, Delhi University has formed a six-member inquiry committee, led by Professor Neeta Sehgal, to investigate the assault. The committee is tasked with submitting a report within two weeks.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from the university’s teaching staff, with the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) organizing a protest. Student organizations, including the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), have also condemned the act and called for accountability from all parties involved.