Violence and alleged election norm violations were reported across Delhi University campuses on the final day of campaigning for the Delhi University Students’ Union elections, with students and faculty members reportedly injured and vehicles damaged at multiple locations on Wednesday.
At North Campus, a clash broke out outside Law Centre-I after an argument over the removal of campaign banners, according to the ABVP. The organisation alleged that three of its members were injured in the confrontation. It said two members suffered head injuries and another sustained a fracture in his hand.
Videos circulating on social media showed groups of students exchanging blows outside the Law Faculty. One video showed a student with a bleeding head wound being stitched, while other footage showed the window panes of several cars smashed. The videos did not independently establish how the confrontation began.
ABVP Delhi unit secretary Sarthak Sharma alleged that workers associated with the Indian Youth Congress, NSUI and SCS were behind the attack. NSUI rejected the allegation and said neither it nor its affiliated organisations had any role in the incident. SCS could not be contacted for a response.
Delhi Police said no complaint had been received in connection with the North Campus clash till Wednesday evening. The absence of a formal complaint meant that the circumstances leading to the confrontation and the extent of the injuries had not been established through a police case at the time of the report.
A separate confrontation was reported in South Campus at Motilal Nehru College. Faculty members claimed that campaigners clashed with teachers while attempting to enter the college premises, and that several faculty members were injured. NSUI alleged that ABVP-linked workers attacked one of its tribal student workers outside the college. ABVP denied the allegation.
Another clash was reported at Sri Aurobindo College, while altercations were also reported from other colleges during the final day of campaigning. The incidents came as campaigning ended ahead of the DUSU elections, bringing renewed attention to the management of election activity, access to college premises and safety during campus political events.
The competing allegations have not been independently resolved in the information available. The next formal steps will depend on complaints being filed, statements being recorded and any police or university action that follows. Details of any disciplinary proceedings or further investigations were not available in the report.
