Woman journalist 'attacked, assaulted' during pro-UGC protest in Delhi University

NEW DELHI: A scuffle between rival student groups at the Arts Faculty of Delhi University on Friday triggered allegations of assault and counter-claims of violence, with both sides accusing each other of intimidation and misconduct.

In a statement, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) alleged that a woman journalist associated with a YouTube channel was attacked around 2 pm while covering a protest on campus.




ABVP Delhi state secretary Sarthak Sharma claimed that left-wing student activists manhandled the journalist after she questioned protesters. He further alleged that several of those involved were not students of Delhi University (DU) and demanded strict action from the police and the university administration.

Meanwhile, the All India Students' Association (AISA) accused right-wing students of attacking its members during a protest demanding the implementation of new UGC regulations.

In its statement, AISA said its DU secretary Anjali was physically assaulted while attempting to shield a journalist from being heckled. The group also alleged that despite security personnel being present, the attackers were allowed to act unchecked.

AISA further claimed that when students later went to a police station to lodge a complaint, a large crowd gathered outside, issuing threats, while police allegedly did not intervene.

Police said the matter is under investigation. A senior officer stated that a scuffle broke out between two groups of students in the afternoon, and that one student approached the police station alleging assault by another student linked to AISA.

“We have conducted her MLC, and a complaint has been received. Legal action will be taken based on the enquiry,” the officer said.

(With agency inputs)