New Delhi: Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) Joint Secretary Deepika Jha, a member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), has acknowledged slapping a faculty member at Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, claiming she was provoked by his alleged verbal abuse and inappropriate behaviour. The incident, which occurred on October 16, has triggered widespread outrage across Delhi University’s campus, with rival student groups demanding an impartial probe and disciplinary action.

Jha says professor verbally abused and intimidated her

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Jha alleged that the confrontation began when she questioned the professor, identified as Sujit Kumar, over his conduct on campus.

“During the interaction, when I told him that I saw him smoking in public and that does not leave a good impression on students, he verbally abused me,” Jha said.

She further claimed that the professor was “staring and smirking” at her despite her visible discomfort. “It was only after his verbal abuse that I slapped him, which I acknowledge I should not have done,” she added.

Jha maintained that the faculty member appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and used “abusive language” inside the principal’s office during their exchange.

“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,” Jha said.

Video of assault sparks outrage and campus protests

A video of the altercation soon surfaced online, showing a group of individuals surrounding and assaulting the professor inside the principal’s office, reportedly in the presence of police officials. The footage quickly went viral, sparking debates about student behaviour, campus safety, and the politicisation of universities.

In the aftermath, protests erupted at Delhi University’s North Campus, with Left-affiliated student organisations—the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the All India Students’ Association (AISA)—condemning the incident as “an attack on the dignity of educational spaces.”

Opposition student bodies demand action

SFI, in a statement, called the episode “a direct assault on the sanctity of academic institutions” and accused the ABVP of fostering a “culture of intimidation and aggression.” The organisation demanded an independent and time-bound inquiry into the matter and urged the university administration to uphold accountability.

Meanwhile, AISA staged a protest outside the DUSU office, calling for Jha’s immediate resignation and disciplinary proceedings against those involved.

“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,” said Saavy, president of AISA Delhi University.

ABVP’s silence draws scrutiny

While Jha has issued a statement expressing partial regret, the ABVP leadership has not released an official response regarding the altercation. However, party sources suggested that an internal review may be initiated to assess the incident.

Observers say the controversy could escalate into a larger political standoff between student groups, given the involvement of DUSU office bearers and the circulation of video evidence.

University expected to initiate inquiry

Officials at Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar College confirmed that they had forwarded reports of the incident to the Delhi University administration, which is expected to launch a formal inquiry.

The administration has not yet commented on whether any disciplinary action has been taken against either the student leader or the faculty member.

The episode has reignited debates around student conduct, faculty accountability, and the growing polarisation within Delhi University’s student politics.