Students at Delhi university journalism college allege police assault

Students at Delhi University’s (DU) Delhi School of Journalism (DSJ) on Monday alleged they were “manhandled” by the police during a protest demanding “basic facilities” at the college. Police, however, denied the allegations

Students at Delhi University’s (DU) Delhi School of Journalism (DSJ) on Monday alleged they were “manhandled” by the police during a protest demanding “basic facilities” at the college. Police, however, denied the allegations.

Candidates protest during the counting of votes for Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) election, at counting centre, New Police Line, in New Delhi, India. (HT Representative Photo)

“We were protesting peacefully against the administration’s apathy at the campus when police started thrashing us. They caned the students, including female students, without issuing any prior warning,” the Delhi School of Journalism (DSJ) students said in a statement.

Deputy commissioner of police (north) Nupur Prasad said the police officers stopped the protestors from barging inside the vice-chancellor’s office. “When policemen saw the protestors trying to scale the entry gate, they were stopped. We did not use any force. Policemen deployed there did not even have batons. There was no lathicharge, “she said.

DSJ has witnessed several protests over alleged “lack of facilities” ever since it was inaugurated in July last year. The school, which operates from the first floor of DU’s Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC) in north campus, offers two five-year integrated journalism courses. It is the varsity’s first ever self-financed course, charging an annual fee of ₹65,000.

DSJ officials said the administration has considered all demands and the media would lab be made soon.

“We have told the students that we trying to bring all facilities,” an official said.