On December 1, 2022, students from opposing political organizations clashed during a protest at the Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute at the University of Delhi (DU).

Members of the Bhagat Singh Chhatra Ekta (BSCEM), a left-wing student organization, held a protest calling for the release of former DU professor Gokarakonda Naga Saibaba. It’s not clear what sparked the clashes. According to BSCEM, members of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a right-wing student organization, armed with bricks and rods attacked them. ABVP accused BSCEM of starting the clashes. About seven students were reportedly injured during the clashes.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about violence during a nonviolent student demonstration on campus. Students have a responsibility to carry out expressive activities peacefully and responsibly. In addition to the harm to the immediate victims, the use of violent force during demonstrations undermines academic freedom and democratic society generally.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://sabrangindia.in/article/abvp-goons-allegedly-attack-protesting-students-delhi-university-du
https://theprint.in/india/brawl-in-du-during-protest-for-gn-saibaba/1244724/
https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2022/dec/02/seven-hurt-after-delhi-university-student-groups-engage-in-brawl-2524336.html