ABVP sets up probe panel, suspends Jha

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has expressed deep concern and regret after Deepika Jha, Joint Secretary of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU), allegedly slapped a professor at Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar College earlier this week.

Terming the incident “unfortunate and unacceptable,” the students’ organisation has set up an internal investigation committee to ensure an impartial inquiry. ABVP stated that it is firmly committed to upholding the dignity and respect of teachers and that under no circumstances can any form of violence against teachers be accepted.

To maintain neutrality during the investigation, Jha has been temporarily suspended from participating in organisational activities until the inquiry is completed. “The committee will soon submit its report, after which the organisation will decide on the next course of action,” ABVP said.

In a statement issued on Sunday, ABVP said it is deeply pained by the incident and reiterated that teachers, academicians, and students together form an academic family, and a healthy educational environment can only be built through mutual respect and dialogue among them.

Alongside its internal inquiry, ABVP has also urged the university administration to conduct a fair probe into the suspicious, anti-student, and dignity-violating actions allegedly carried out by Professor Sujit Kumar in connection with the episode. It demanded strict action as per university rules if he is found guilty.

Jha has been accused of slapping the professor and pushing and shoving others during the confrontation. After a video of the incident surfaced on social media, it triggered an uproar across the college and university.