UGC equity rules storm: Slogans, scuffles and standoff at DU

UGC Equity Rules storm reaches Delhi University as rival groups face off; YouTuber allegedly forced and misbehaved with during protest. Here are the full details.

Tension gripped North Delhi on Friday after a protest by student groups at Delhi University in support of the implementation of UGC guidelines escalated into clashes outside the Maurice Nagar police station. The demonstration began earlier in the day when left-leaning student organisations gathered on campus demanding the implementation of the University Grants Commission’s Equity Rules.

The protesters said the guidelines were essential to ensure fair treatment and equal access within higher education institutions.

As the protest progressed, the situation turned volatile. Ruchi Tiwari, a journalist associated with the YouTube channel “Breaking Opinion,” who had arrived to cover the demonstration, was allegedly attacked by a group of students. Details of the incident remain unclear, but the allegation triggered further tension at the site.

The matter soon reached the Maurice Nagar police station, where students from different organisations assembled. The Left alleged that students affiliated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) surrounded the police station and attempted to attack those present. ABVP members, however, rejected the claim and said their students were the ones being targeted during the protest.

Eyewitnesses reported heated exchanges between rival groups, with both sides accusing each other of provocation. Slogans were raised outside the police station, including “Shoot the traitors of the country,” which added to the charged atmosphere.

Police personnel were deployed in large numbers to prevent further escalation. Officials said they intervened to separate the groups and restore order. No official statement has yet been issued on whether any arrests were made or complaints registered in connection with the alleged assault on the journalist.