University of Delhi

A committee set up to investigate the January 27 unrest at Delhi University submitted its preliminary report on Monday and will now question students and speak to their parents as part of its detailed investigation.

The seven-member committee, headed by Chief Proctor Rajni Abbi, will investigate security shortcomings and suggest ways to strengthen security on campus.

Speaking to PTI, Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh said the committee formed on Saturday submitted its first report on Monday and has begun further investigation into the matter.

An uproar broke out at Delhi University on Friday when students attempted to show the controversial BBC documentary about the 2002 Gujarat riots, even as police and the university administration intervened to stop the move.

Twenty-four students affiliated with the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) were detained at Delhi University’s arts faculty and a heavy police deployment was maintained at the North Campus.

Police personnel were seen dragging students away for gathering outside the Faculty of Arts building to protest against not being allowed to show the documentary. Within the Faculty of Arts, university security personnel were also seen clashing with students.

University officials had then claimed that “outsiders” attempted to show the documentary and police were called in to maintain law and order. However, the vice-chancellor said there were not many outsiders.

“The commission has submitted a report. It’s the university’s version of the security personnel who were harassed. The committee will now question the students and also meet with their parents and propose solutions to strengthen security on campus,” he said.

Asked if action will be taken against the students, Singh said: “We will give them time to justify their action and only then will we see if it is necessary to take action.”

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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and was published from a syndicated news agency feed)