Four-member panel formed to probe vandalism at DU Students’ Union office

Anshita Mehra

New Delhi, July 15

The Delhi University administration has launched an investigation into vandalism that took place at the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) office on the intervening night of July 13 and 14.

A four-member committee has been formed to investigate the incident. The panel is expected to submit its report within seven days.

According to an official notification, the committee comprises DU Proctor Rajni Abbi, Dean of Students’ Welfare Ranjan Kumar Tripathi, DUSU staff adviser Surender Kumar, and Joint Proctor Geeta Sahare. “The committee may submit the report at the earliest, preferably within seven days,” the notification stated.

The move comes after the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) accused members of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), including DUSU vice-president Abhi Dahiya, of ransacking the students’ union office on North Campus.

In a statement, the ABVP claimed that Dahiya and other NSUI members vandalised the offices of DUSU president Tushar Dedha, secretary Aparajita, joint secretary Sachin Baisla and the visitor room on Sunday morning.

“The attackers first consumed alcohol in the Dahiya’s office and then vandalised the DUSU office property,” the ABVP alleged. The student organisation further shared a video, which purportedly showed empty bottles at Dahiya’s office and other offices bearing marks of vandalism.

It has asked the DU administration to remove Dahiya from his position as DUSU vice-president.

Reacting to the allegations, the NSUI leader said, “Last night, several ABVP members attacked my office at Delhi University. This is the true face of the ABVP. Their reaction comes after I exposed the fake degree of the ABVP office-bearer and DUSU president. Despite this intimidation, I remain committed to fighting against such unethical practices and will continue to stand for truth and integrity,” Dahiya said. He vowed to take legal action to expose the conspiracy in court.

Meanwhile, the ABVP staged a protest against the vandalism at DU’s Arts Faculty. “Such incidents on the university campus are worrisome for the entire student community,” said ABVP’s Shivangi Kharwal.

DUSU president Tushar Dedha said, “Dahiya and the entire NSUI leadership should be ashamed of their actions, as they were caught engaging in the disgraceful act of drinking alcohol at the DUSU office at night.”