Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Appeals for Campus Harmony After Violent Clashes
New Delhi: Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh issued a strong appeal for peace and mutual harmony on Saturday, following violent clashes that erupted on campus during a protest march the previous day. The incident has raised significant concerns about campus safety and social cohesion at one of India's premier educational institutions.
VC's Statement Emphasizes National and University Image
In a statement posted in Hindi on the university's official X handle, Singh urged all teachers and students to refrain from actions that could increase bitterness or damage the reputation of both the nation and the university. "I request all teachers and students of Delhi University to maintain mutual harmony," Singh emphasized. "No one should do anything that increases bitterness or harms the image of the nation and the university."
The Vice-Chancellor described Friday's incident as "a matter of concern" and highlighted that Delhi University hosts students from all states and communities across India. He stressed that maintaining social harmony represents a collective responsibility for everyone associated with the university.
Proactive Measures and Supreme Court Reference
Singh revealed that he had already engaged in discussions with multiple student and teacher groups, as well as police administration officials, to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. "I have spoken to several student and teacher groups as well as the police administration to ensure that no such incident occurs in the future," the VC confirmed.
Addressing the contentious University Grants Commission regulations that sparked the protest, Singh noted that the matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court. He urged all stakeholders to maintain trust in government processes and await the court's final decision on the regulatory framework.
Violent Confrontation During 'Adhikar Rally'
The clashes occurred during the 'Adhikar Rally' organized by the All India Forum for Equity at the Arts Faculty in North Campus on Friday. The protest aimed to discuss the newly released UGC regulations that have generated significant controversy across academic circles.
According to police reports, "a scuffle broke out between a female YouTuber and students of the All India Students Association (AISA) who were holding a programme at the Arts Faculty, North Campus." Law enforcement officials stated they swiftly intervened to separate the conflicting parties, with the protest concluding through complete dispersal by 4 PM.
Escalation and Cross-Complaints
The situation escalated further around 4:30 PM when approximately 50-60 people gathered at PS Maurice Nagar police station, demanding action against female protesters for allegedly physically assaulting the YouTuber. Simultaneously, a female AISA student filed a counter-complaint alleging assault by the YouTuber and her supporters.
While videos circulating on social media platforms showed a confrontation between the YouTuber and student protesters, authorities noted that the exact sequence of events could not be independently verified through available evidence.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
Police confirmed that cross-FIRs (First Information Reports) have been officially registered in connection with the incident. "FIRs under Sections 74 (Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 115(2) (Voluntarily causing hurt), 126(2) (wrongful restraint) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita have been registered at PS Maurice Nagar based on the complaints received," police stated.
Investigations into the matter are currently underway as authorities work to establish a comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired during the protest rally. The incident has highlighted ongoing tensions surrounding educational policies and campus activism at Delhi University.
