Campus Outrage: DUSU Joint Secretary Accused of Slapping Professor, Igniting Demands for University-Wide Probe

A shocking incident has sent ripples of anger and concern across Delhi University, as the Joint Secretary of the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU), Palak Sharma, stands accused of assaulting a senior professor. The alleged act, which occurred during a university event, has sparked widespread condemnation from faculty associations and reignited urgent calls for enhanced teacher safety and accountability within the student body.

The incident reportedly took place when Professor Vikas Gupta, Convener of the Disciplinary Committee, requested some students to move from their position as they were obstructing the view for the Vice Chancellor.

According to reports from the Delhi University Teachers' Front (DTF) and other faculty members, Sharma allegedly slapped Professor Gupta following this request. The immediate aftermath saw Professor Gupta visibly upset and unwell, requiring medical attention, amplifying the severity of the alleged assault.

Teachers' associations across the university have united in their outrage, vehemently condemning the incident as an unacceptable act of violence and a direct attack on academic integrity and the dignity of teaching staff.

The Delhi Teachers' Association (AAD) has joined the chorus, demanding an immediate and high-level university-level inquiry into the matter. There are strong sentiments that such actions undermine the very foundation of an educational institution and create an unsafe environment for educators.

The incident has also drawn attention to the role of student politics on campus.

Palak Sharma is associated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS. While the ABVP initially stated it would take action, conflicting reports suggest they later claimed Sharma had apologized to the professor, a narrative not fully accepted by the teaching community who are pushing for more substantive consequences.

Concerns have been raised about potential political influence that might shield the accused from appropriate disciplinary measures.

Faculty members are not merely seeking an apology; they are demanding a comprehensive probe by the university administration to ascertain the full facts and ensure stringent action is taken against those found responsible.

The overarching demand is for a clear message to be sent that such misconduct will not be tolerated, and that the safety and respect of teachers on campus are paramount. This deeply unsettling event underscores the critical need for a secure and respectful academic environment for both students and faculty alike.