In a dramatic and unsettling escalation of campus politics, Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) Joint Secretary Deepika Jha allegedly slapped Professor Sujit Kumar, convener of the disciplinary committee at Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, inside the Principal’s office on the afternoon of October 16.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the university, prompting calls for an urgent investigation.

Following the assault, Professor Kumar resigned from the disciplinary committee, while faculty members and student groups condemned the act as “mobocracy and hooliganism.” Reports suggest that around 50 students, allegedly led by DUSU President Aryan Maan, entered the college, harassed teachers, and demanded Professor Kumar’s resignation. CCTV footage of the confrontation is reportedly available.

Jha later issued a statement apologising “to the entire teaching community” but claimed she acted in response to alleged misconduct by the professor. She asserted that Professor Kumar arrived at the college in an inebriated state, threatened her, and made indecent remarks. “My intention was not to hurt the sentiments of the teaching community, but I am concerned about the safety of female students on the campus,” she said.

Professor Kumar, however, rejected these allegations, stating that his actions were strictly disciplinary and aimed at addressing misbehavior by an ABVP candidate toward an NSUI candidate. “I have been teaching here for 30 years, and nothing like this has ever happened,” he said. “If students misbehave with teachers without consequence, it will become impossible to maintain discipline.”

The NSUI condemned the incident as “ABVP-led DUSU hooliganism,” pointing to the presence of Delhi Police officers during the assault and alleging political interference.

NSUI National President Varun Choudhary called for the immediate arrest of Jha, Maan, and other participants, declaring that the attack was “not just on a professor but on the dignity of the entire academic fraternity.”

The Delhi Police have confirmed receipt of a complaint and said that an inquiry is underway. Meanwhile, the university administration faces mounting pressure to take decisive action as tensions within the campus continue to escalate.