New Delhi – On February 13, 2026, what started as a peaceful protest at Delhi University‘s North Campus turned into a big mess. Students from the All India Students’ Association (AISA) were out there demanding better rules from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to stop caste-based discrimination in colleges. They wanted committees set up and punishments for those who break the rules. But things got bad when a right-wing YouTuber named Ruchi Tiwari showed up. Both sides say the other started the fight, leading to claims of assault. Later, when AISA members went to the police station to complain, supporters from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) rushed in and shouted bad words, including rape threats at female students. The police just watched, say reports. Now, there are two FIRs filed, but no one has been arrested yet. This event shows how tense things are on campus over issues like reservations and fairness.
The protest was about the UGC’s new equity rules, which aim to make sure no one faces discrimination based on caste in higher education. These rules talk about setting up special committees in colleges to handle complaints and even fines or jail for serious cases. But some groups think these rules could be misused, while others say they are needed to protect students from lower castes. The clash has brought out old rivalries between left-wing groups like AISA and right-wing ones like ABVP. People are talking about safety for women, police inaction, and how politics is mixing with student life.
Background of the UGC Equity Rules Protest
The story begins with the UGC‘s Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions Regulations, 2026. These rules were made to fight caste discrimination in colleges across India. They say every college must have an Equal Opportunity Cell to look into complaints. If someone is found guilty of discriminating, they could face fines up to Rs 5 lakh or even lose their job or admission. For very bad cases, there could be jail time too. AISA and other left-leaning student groups have been pushing hard for these rules to be put in place quickly. They say caste bias is still a big problem in places like Delhi University, where students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) often face insults or unfair treatment.
On February 13, AISA called for a protest at the Arts Faculty in North Campus. Hundreds of students joined, holding signs and chanting slogans for justice. “We need these rules to make campuses safe for everyone,” said one protester in a video that went viral. But not everyone agrees with these rules. Some say they are too vague and could lead to false complaints against teachers or students from upper castes. That’s where Ruchi Tiwari comes in. She is a YouTuber who runs a channel called Breaking Opinion, where she often talks against reservations and what she calls “caste politics.” She has been accused before of stirring up trouble at such events.
According to AISA’s statement, Tiwari came to the protest and started arguing with students. They say she mocked their demands and even pushed some people. “She has a history of causing chaos in movements like this,” AISA said in their official note. On the other hand, Tiwari says she was just there to cover the event as a journalist. She claims a mob of about 500 people surrounded her, asked her caste, and attacked her when they found out she is a Brahmin.
The Clash at North Campus
The protest was going on fine until Tiwari arrived. Videos show a crowd gathering around her, with pushing and shouting. Tiwari told the media later, “They whispered rape threats in my ears just because I am a Brahmin. They said ‘aaj tu chal, tera nanga parade niklega’.” She said people tried to tear her clothes, choke her, and touch her wrongly. “It was like an attempt to murder. I fell unconscious, but no one helped,” she added. She filed a complaint saying it was a caste-based attack.
But AISA has a different story. They say Tiwari was the one who started the fight by insulting Dalit students and making fun of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and reservation policies. Prasenjeet Kumar, AISA’s National General Secretary, said, “She pushed another person, and that’s how the scuffle began.” They also say their members, including women like Anjali Sharma and Neha, were hurt in the clash. AISA claims Tiwari is playing the victim while their activists are getting death and rape threats online.
ABVP, which is linked to the BJP, backed Tiwari. They said left-wing students attacked her because she was speaking against the UGC rules. “This is cowardly,” said ABVP in a statement. DUSU President Aryan Maan also condemned the attack, saying, “Violence has no place in campus politics.” Videos from the scene show a big crowd, with some people trying to block cameras. One clip has voices saying “beat her” and caste slurs.
The clash lasted for some time before police came and broke it up. Some students were taken for medical checks. This was just the start of the trouble.
Chaos at the Maurice Nagar Police Station
After the fight at campus, AISA members went to Maurice Nagar Police Station to file a complaint against Tiwari and others. They say around 50 ABVP supporters were already there or came soon after. These men started shouting abuses at the AISA group, especially the women. “Take off your clothes,” “We will rape you,” and other bad threats were heard, according to AISA. The police rushed the AISA students into a small room for safety, but did nothing to stop the mob.
Videos from inside the station show men banging on doors and yelling. One post on X says, “This is happening right in front of police.” AISA’s Anjali Sharma filed an FIR saying she and others were assaulted and threatened. “The police stood by while we were scared for our lives,” she said. No arrests were made that night, which has made many angry. Why didn’t the police act? Some say it’s because ABVP has links to the ruling party.
Tiwari also went to the station to complain. She says the threats were against her during the protest, not at the station. But reports show the station incident was separate, aimed at AISA women.
Allegations and Counter-Allegations
Both sides have filed FIRs. Delhi Police say they have cases for assault, molestation, and threats. One is from Tiwari against AISA members, another from AISA against Tiwari and ABVP, and a third against the mob at the station.
AISA calls Tiwari a “casteist” who incites violence. “Casteist oppressors are crying victim because the oppressed are demanding dignity,” their statement reads. They name people like Neha Bora and Anjali Kumari as victims getting threats.
Tiwari denies this. “Video is everywhere; people can see who provoked whom,” she told ANI. ABVP says it’s all a left-wing plot to defame them.
Delhi University Vice Chancellor has asked everyone to stay calm. “Maintain harmony,” he said in a note.
Police Response and Investigation
Police say they are looking into all complaints. “Cross FIRs have been filed, and we are checking videos,” a senior officer told The Indian Express. But many question why no quick action at the station. Women’s groups are calling for better protection.
This is not the first time campus fights spill over. Past events at JNU and DU show how student politics can turn violent.
Broader Implications on Campus Tensions
This incident highlights deep issues over reservations and equity. UGC rules were meant to help, but the Supreme Court stayed them for being vague. Protests like this show the divide: some want strong anti-discrimination laws, others fear misuse.
It also raises questions about women’s safety. Rape threats, whether at protest or station, are serious. “This shows raw campus tensions,” says one report. Groups like ABVP and AISA often clash, but this time it’s worse with personal attacks.
Social media is full of debates. Some support Tiwari, calling it anti-Brahmin hate. Others back AISA, saying it’s about fighting casteism. The event could lead to more rules on protests in colleges.
In the end, no one wins from violence. Students should talk, not fight. Authorities need to step in fast to stop such things.
FAQs
What was the protest about?
The protest was by AISA students at Delhi University on February 13, 2026. They wanted the UGC to enforce new rules against caste discrimination. These rules include setting up committees in colleges to handle complaints, fines up to Rs 5 lakh, and possible jail for offenders. The rules aim to protect SC, ST, and OBC students from bias, but some say they could be misused.
Who is Ruchi Tiwari and what role did she play?
Ruchi Tiwari is a YouTuber who runs Breaking Opinion. She often speaks against reservations. She came to the protest, and both sides blame each other for starting the fight. She claims she was assaulted by a mob who targeted her for being Brahmin and whispered rape threats. AISA says she provoked them by insulting Dalits and pushing people.
What happened at the police station?
After the clash, AISA members went to Maurice Nagar Police Station to file a complaint. ABVP supporters came and shouted abuses, including rape threats like “take off your clothes” at female students. Police put AISA in a room but didn’t stop the mob. Videos show the chaos inside the station.
Have any arrests been made?
No arrests yet. Two FIRs are filed: one by Tiwari for assault and molestation, another by AISA for threats and abuse. Police are investigating with videos and statements.
Why didn’t the police act faster?
Many are asking this. Some say police were inactive because of political links. Women’s rights groups want an inquiry into police behavior.
What are the broader issues here?
It shows tensions over caste, reservations, and equity in education. Also, women’s safety on campus and in police stations is a concern. It highlights how student politics can turn violent, affecting studies and safety.