Delhi University forms committee to probe faculty assault at BR Ambedkar College

University of Delhi (DU) has formed a six-member committee to investigate the assault on Sujit Kumar, a faculty member at BR Ambedkar College (BARC). The committee is chaired by Neeta Sehgal, Department of Zoology. DU’s vice-chancellor, Yogesh Singh, has directed the committee to submit its report within two weeks.

As per the institute, Jyoti Trehan Sharma, DU’s Joint Proctor, serves as member secretary. Other members include Rama, Principal of Hansraj College; Swati Diwakar (Environmental Studies); Darvinder Kumar, Principal of PGDAV College; and Awadhesh Kumar, Joint Proctor.

The incident occurred when Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) Joint Secretary Deepika Jha reportedly entered the college with around 50 students and slapped the faculty member. Other students allegedly manhandled teachers and pressured them to seek the resignation of the disciplinary committee convener. CCTV footage of the assault is reportedly available in the principal’s office.

Teachers’ organisations condemn assault

Teachers’ organisations, including the Democratic Teachers Front (DTF), condemned the assault on the BR Ambedkar College faculty member. Delhi University Vice-Chancellor urged action against those involved.

The DTF stated that all members of the college’s disciplinary committee resigned, citing their inability to perform duties and maintain order without protection from student interference.

ABVP defended Jha, claiming the teacher misbehaved with students and acted with political bias. The group demanded a disciplinary inquiry into the teacher and criticised the police for inaction. Several teachers criticised ABVP for shifting focus to the teacher’s conduct.