DU forms 6-member panel to probe assault on professor

Delhi University has constituted a six-member enquiry committee, chaired by Professor Neeta Sehgal, to investigate the alleged assault on Professor Sujit Kumar by DUSU joint secretary Deepika Jha at BR Ambedkar College here.

The committee has been tasked with conducting a thorough probe into the matter, examining the circumstances that led to the altercation and recommending suitable disciplinary action. The university administration said it was taking the matter seriously and had assured that the investigation would be completed at the earliest.

DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Yogesh Singh has directed the committee to submit its report within two weeks. The inquiry committee comprises Professor Neeta Sehgal as its chairperson, and Professor Jyoti Trehan Sharma, DU’s Joint Proctor, as its member secretary. Other committee members include Professor Rama, Principal of Hansraj College, Professor Swati Diwakar (Environmental Studies), Professor Darvinder Kumar, Principal of PGDAV College, and Awadhesh Kumar, Joint Proctor.

Today, several students’ and teachers’ organisations held protests across the campus, demanding immediate action. The Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) staged a demonstration outside Gate No. 1 of the North Campus, condemning the assault as “an attack on the dignity and safety of teachers.”

Simultaneously, student organisations AISA and SFI led a protest to the DUSU office, demanding immediate resignation of Deepika Jha. Protesters, who carried banners reading “attack on teachers will not be tolerated”, called on the university to take strict action.

The SFI, Delhi University, emphasised the need for an impartial investigation, stating that campuses must remain spaces of learning, mutual respect and free exchange of ideas, not arenas for hostility or power display.

Teachers’ and students’ groups have both vowed to continue their demonstrations until the university ensures justice and accountability. The enquiry committee is expected to submit its findings soon, which will play a critical role in determining the next steps against those responsible for the incident.