No CCTV at DUSU Office; vandalism probe hinges on witness account

New Delhi [India], July 15 (ANI): As Delhi University formed a committee to investigate the vandalism at the DUSU office, the absence of CCTVs on the premises will likely pose a challenge to the probe.

The committee, formed on Monday to investigate the matter, will have to rely on witness testimonies, security guards’ accounts, and other tangible evidence to determine what happened, DU Proctor Rajni Abbi told ANI. Notably, Abbi is the chairperson of the committee.

When inquired about the CCTVs, the Proctor indicated that there are no cameras currently installed. “We will recommend in our report that the installation of cameras is necessary,” she said.

The university formed the committee on Monday to investigate the vandalism incident at the Delhi University Students’ Union office on the night of July 13-14.

The newly formed committee is headed by Professor Rajni Abbi, Proctor, as Chairperson, along with Professor Ranjan Kumar Tripathi, Dean of Students’ Welfare, Professor Surender Kumar, Staff Advisor of DUSU, and Professor Geeta Sahare, Joint Proctor, as members.

RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has accused members of the NSUI, including DUSU Vice President Abhi Dahiya, of vandalising the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) office on North Campus.

Proctor Rajni Abbi detailed the incident, stating that around 3:45 am on Saturday, security personnel alerted her about a break-in at the DUSU office.

“An FIR has been registered regarding the incident. The police and a forensic team were on-site to collect evidence, and initial findings suggest that the president’s office was significantly affected,” she reported to ANI.

During her inspection, Abbi noted damages in the DUSU president’s office, a broken door, and a shattered mirror in the joint secretary’s office.

Abbi said the committee aims to deliver a preliminary report on the matter within two days and a final report within five.

As tensions rise between these two factions, the university’s investigation aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding the vandalism while addressing the underlying issues within student governance.

“Our investigation will focus on how and why this occurred,” Abbi said. “Without CCTV footage, we must rely on on-site assessments and accounts from security personnel, as no witnesses were present,” she added.

The ABVP issued a statement alleging that around 40 NSUI members attacked the North Campus office early on July 14, damaging multiple offices, including the president’s. They claimed that the vandalism extended to destroying an idol of Lord Ram and a water dispenser.

In a counter-response, the NSUI accused the ABVP of attempting to distract from serious allegations regarding fake degrees involving their members. Last week, the DUSU Vice President alleged that Dedha used fraudulent mark sheets for his admission, a claim Dedha has denied.