Scuffles Erupt At Ambedkar University Delhi As AISA Students, Guards Clash On Day 16 Of Protest

Last Updated:October 14, 2026, 04:33 IST

AISA alleged that security staff removed posters put up for a public screening of filmmaker Anand Patwardhan’s Jai Bhim Comrade and manhandled students.

The students also alleged that the campus electricity supply was cut off as they prepared for the screening.

Scuffles broke out at Dr BR Ambedkar University Delhi’s Kashmere Gate campus on Tuesday, the 16th day of an indefinite sit-in led by the All India Students’ Association (AISA), after a row over a planned film screening escalated into a confrontation between students and security personnel.

AISA alleged that security staff removed posters put up for a public screening of filmmaker Anand Patwardhan’s Jai Bhim Comrade and manhandled students, including women.

The students also alleged that the campus electricity supply was cut off as they prepared for the screening.

The university, however, accused the protesters of damaging property and engaging in physical altercations with security personnel.

Film Screening Row Triggers Tensions

According to AISA, students had planned to screen the documentary at 6 pm on Tuesday. They alleged that security personnel tore down paper charts put up on the students’ democracy wall and later removed bedsheets that students tried to use as an alternative backdrop.

The students then moved towards the classroom area to use a white wall for the screening. AISA claimed that the electricity supply was subsequently cut off across the campus, leaving it dark.

Students questioned the move, citing safety concerns and pointing out that the university library remained open until 8 pm. The confrontation escalated when students sought an explanation from security supervisor Dharmendra Kumar, according to the protesters.

The screening eventually went ahead on a laptop at the protest site, AISA said.

University Alleges Vandalism

In a statement, the university said the incident took place around 7 pm, alleging that protesters damaged university property and clashed with male and female security personnel.

It also claimed that university officials faced abusive behaviour when they tried to initiate a dialogue to defuse tensions. The administration said it had informed the police to ensure the safety of other students.

Calling the alleged damage and indiscipline as “unfortunate and condemnable”, the university said action would be taken under its rules and disciplinary provisions.

It maintained that all “genuine and permissible” demands raised by the protesters had been addressed.

Dispute Over Campus Access

The indefinite sit-in centres on tighter access controls and physical barriers on campus, which AISA has described as an “iron cage”. Students have demanded the removal of the barriers and unrestricted entry for registered students.

The group has also raised concerns about campus safety, particularly for women students who, it says, have been forced to use a rear gate near Madarsa Road.

The dispute follows earlier disagreements over access to the library and other campus facilities. While AISA has alleged that students were denied entry, the university has cited maintenance and safety reasons for closing certain areas.

The administration has said it remains open to “dialogue and clarification”, while AISA continues to oppose the restrictions on campus movement.

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What triggered the scuffle between AISA students and guards at Ambedkar University Delhi?

Scuffles broke out on the 16th day of an indefinite sit-in led by AISA after tensions escalated over a planned public screening of Anand Patwardhan’s documentary Jai Bhim Comrade. Students alleged that security staff removed posters, tore down paper charts, and manhandled students while cutting off campus electricity.

What allegations did the Ambedkar University administration make against the protesting students?

The university stated that protesters damaged campus property, engaged in physical altercations with male and female security personnel, and exhibited abusive behavior toward officials trying to initiate dialogue. The administration also reported the incident to the police to ensure campus safety and maintained that all permissible demands had already been addressed.

What are the core grievances behind the indefinite student sit-in at Ambedkar University?

The indefinite sit-in primarily centers on student opposition to tighter access controls, aggressive barricading, and physical barriers on campus implemented by the administration, which the AISA has criticized as an iron cage. Protesters have also raised concerns over campus safety and movement restrictions affecting registered students.

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