Tension erupted at Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar College in Delhi on Thursday when Professor Sujit Kumar was allegedly slapped by Deepika Jha, the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) joint secretary and a member of the ABVP. The incident took place during a disciplinary committee meeting in the presence of Delhi Police officers.

The shocking act drew sharp criticism from teachers and student groups. In response, Delhi University formed a six-member inquiry panel to probe the matter.

A senior Delhi Police officer confirmed that a complaint had been filed. “We have received the complaint late evening. The video has been seen by investigators. They are obtaining CCTV footage now. The matter is being inquired into,” the officer said.

Jha Admits Slap, Says It Was Reaction to Abuse

Deepika Jha later admitted that she slapped Professor Kumar but claimed it happened after he verbally abused her. She told Hindustan Times, “During the interaction, when I told him that I saw him smoking in public and that does not leave a good impression on students, he verbally abused me.”

She alleged that Kumar “stared” and “smirked” at her even after she showed discomfort. “It was only after his verbal abuse that I slapped him,” she said, adding that she realised later that she should not have reacted that way.

On Friday, Jha issued an apology video. She claimed that Kumar had “threatened and stared at her in front of police” and appeared “inebriated.” In her video statement, she said, “After seeing all this, I felt angry and raised my hand. I regret the incident and I apologise to the teachers’ community. It was not my intention to hurt anyone’s sentiments.”

Professor Rejects Allegations, Says ABVP Members Forced Entry

Professor Sujit Kumar strongly denied Jha’s version. He alleged that ABVP members entered the meeting room without permission and disrupted the session.

He explained that the meeting followed an oath-taking ceremony for the college student council. “Our college students do not vote for the DUSU but have a college student council. Three posts on that council were unopposed and occupied by ABVP members. A student from the NSUI had won the president post,” Kumar said.

Kumar further alleged that the tension began a month ago when ABVP members attacked the NSUI student. “About a month ago, this same NSUI kid was beaten up by ABVP members because he wanted to contest for the post. We got a video of the same, and I suspended three students affiliated to the ABVP till September 30,” he said.

“Now, on Wednesday, during the event, one of the students who had been suspended beat up the NSUI student in front of me and other committee members,” Kumar added.

He also claimed that ABVP leaders sided with the accused students and pressured him to resign. “After that, a student named Deepika came and slapped me, as captured in the video clip,” he told ANI.

Disciplinary Meeting Turned Violent

According to the Democratic Teachers’ Front (DTF), the meeting chaired by Professor Kumar was meant to discuss the violence involving ABVP members who allegedly assaulted other students.

A 32-second CCTV video shows Kumar sitting beside Jha on a sofa, surrounded by several people and police officers. As the discussion became heated, Jha stood up and allegedly slapped Kumar. A female police officer intervened, escorting Jha away, while another man pushed Kumar back into his seat.

Delhi University Orders Probe

Following the incident, Delhi University set up a six-member inquiry committee led by Professor Neeta Sehgal of the Zoology Department. The panel has been asked to submit its report within two weeks. Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh directed the committee to ensure a “factual and fair” investigation.

The Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) staged a protest at the North Campus on Friday, demanding strict action.

Student organisations, including the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), also condemned the assault. They urged the administration to take disciplinary action against all those involved.