NEW DELHI: A Delhi University teacher was allegedly assaulted by a student campaigning for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections at Motilal Nehru College (Evening) on Wednesday, triggering a protest by faculty members and a threat to boycott election duties.The alleged assault came as the final day of campaigning was marred by clashes and altercations at several DU campuses.Faculty members gathered at the college after the alleged incident and demanded action against the student.A teacher said the faculty member who was allegedly attacked sustained serious injuries and was receiving medical attention.“A DUSU campaigner beat a faculty member. He is grievously injured and is receiving medical attention,” the teacher said.The teacher said faculty members were considering filing an FIR and boycotting election-related duties in protest against the incident.“Teachers are protesting against the DUSU election. We will also be filing an FIR and boycott any election duties. Students need to understand the boundary. Faculty members cannot be beaten up,” the teacher said.Faculty members were not immediately sure which student organisation the alleged campaigner represented.The incident took place on the day campaigning for the DUSU elections concluded. Polling is scheduled for September 18, with counting on September 19.The alleged assault was reported amid a wider flare-up of tensions across DU on the final day of campaigning. At North Campus, a clash broke out outside Law Centre-I after an argument over the removal of campaign banners.ABVP alleged that three of its members were injured, including two with head injuries and another with a hand fracture. Videos circulating on social media showed groups of students exchanging blows and damaged vehicles, though the videos did not independently establish how the clash began.At South Campus, faculty members at Motilal Nehru College said campaigners clashed with teachers while trying to enter the premises and that several teachers were injured.NSUI separately alleged that ABVP-linked workers attacked one of its tribal student workers outside the college, a charge denied by ABVP.Another clash was reported at Sri Aurobindo College, while altercations were reported from other colleges as well.Faculty members later staged a protest against DUSU campaigners. A staff association meeting continued till late evening to decide on filing a police complaint.The developments have raised concerns among faculty members over the conduct of student campaigning and safety on campus ahead of the September 18 DUSU polls.
