‘Whispered Rape Threats In My Ears’: Woman Journalist Assaulted At Delhi University’s North Campus

• Woman journalist alleges mob assault while covering protest at DU North Campus
• Claims she was targeted after being asked about her caste and identity
• Student groups issue counterclaims; FIR registered, probe underway

A woman journalist has alleged that she was assaulted by a large crowd while covering a protest at Delhi University's North Campus on Friday, triggering sharp exchanges between student groups and calls for action.

The journalist, Ruchi Tiwari, claimed she was attacked while performing her professional duties, while student organisations have offered differing accounts of the incident.

Journalist Alleges Targeted Attack

Speaking about the incident, Ruchi Tiwari said she had reached the protest site to cover the demonstration when she was approached by others present.

"Video is everywhere, people can judge by themselves as to who provoked whom...I am a journalist who was there to cover the protest. One of the media personnel said my name to draw my attention. I went up to them, they then asked my full name and caste," she said.

She alleged that the situation escalated rapidly after that.

"The entire crowd came towards me and attacked me. This is clear in the video. About 500 people attacked me. They just have fake narrations and fake allegations. The girls around me whispered rape threats in my ears just because I am a Brahmin; 'aaj tu chal, tera nanga parade niklega,' is what they said. The men around me were saying that they would teach me a lesson. The girls had held me by the arms and neck. This is an attempt to murder. I had fallen unconscious, but the Police did nothing," she further claimed.

FIR Filed, Allegations Of Assault

The journalist said she has registered an FIR and alleged that the attack lasted for a considerable duration. She also claimed that some individuals attempted to take her away from the site.

"A boy there was signalling to others to take me away. Did they want to kidnap me?... My clothes were being torn...I was being improperly touched. They were goons, they cannot be students...I was attacked due to my caste. Nobody supported me, only a few Law Faculties showed humanity, and I came out with their help as well as with that of a few women Police personnel...FIR has been registered, I trust the law...The incident occurred for about half an hour...There was mob lynching there, I escaped somehow is a big deal for me," she claimed.

Student Groups Offer Counter Versions

The All India Students' Association (AISA) rejected the allegations and said the protest was peaceful. AISA National General Secretary Prasenjeet Kumar claimed the incident began after an altercation involving media personnel.

"Students had gathered in support of UGC...It was a peaceful program. But amid all this, a YouTuber pushed another YouTuber who hails from the Bahujan community and attempted to disturb our program. They started manhandling our people; in turn, our people tried to push them to the side. There has been no fight or manhandling as such," he said.

He further alleged that attempts were being made to create a tense atmosphere.

"Not just in DU, we have seen this happen in Allahabad - how the people of ABVP beat up the students there. Yesterday in DU, a YouTuber was placed at the front, and we saw the kind of slogans that were raised in front of the Police Station. This is a laughable situation.

Police are not taking any action. They want to provoke people into ending the demonstration. They can see that people across the country are standing in support of UGC regulations...No manhandling had occurred. Several such YouTubers come to pro-UGC programs and raise such slogans and push people.

The right-wing YouTubers come with their agenda; this is an attempt to disturb our program. ABVP is complicit in this...This was premeditated by the people of ABVP," Prasenjit Kumar added.

ABVP Demands Action

Reacting to the incident, ABVP Delhi State Secretary Sarthak Sharma condemned the alleged attack on the journalist and called for strict action.

"An attack on the media, which is considered to be the fourth pillar of democracy, is highly unfortunate. The history of Left-wing politics has been marked by the encouragement of violence, and students of the University of Delhi have decisively rejected such ideologies.

Frustrated by their declining relevance, these groups are resorting to new tactics to remain in the media spotlight. The cowardly act of manhandling a woman journalist reflects their true character," he said.

The ABVP has demanded action from Delhi Police and the university administration, while AISA has maintained that its members were targeted. Police are expected to examine video footage and statements as part of the ongoing investigation.