Delhi University Initiates Formal Inquiry Following Armed Security Incident at Historic Hostel
Delhi University has established a five-member inquiry committee in response to a formal written complaint from residents of Gwyer Hall, the university's oldest men's hostel. The complaint alleges that private security personnel hired by Delhi University Students' Union (Dusu) president Aryan Maan entered the hostel premises with a firearm, threatened students, and created significant disturbance during a confrontation over mess coupons on Monday night.
Committee Composition and Immediate Actions
The investigative panel, headed by DU Proctor Manoj Kumar and including the warden of men's hostels among other members, was formed following the urgent complaint. The document, signed by hostel administration and forwarded to the proctor, states: "The Gwyer Hall hostel was illegally occupied by Dusu office-bearers, along with their friends, who have repeatedly caused disturbances."
The administration has decided to vacate the rooms "with immediate effect," warning that failure to comply would result in sealing of the rooms and initiation of legal proceedings. Occupants were given until 5:30 PM on February 24 to vacate the premises.
Detailed Allegations and Student Accounts
The complaint specifically condemns "the act of entering the hostel with a gun, threatening and abusing students, and mistreating hostel staff (mess worker and security personnel)." Residents have requested immediate formation of a committee to address these serious concerns.
According to hostel residents, three Dusu office-bearers currently reside at Gwyer Hall: president Aryan Maan, vice-president Rahul Jhansla Yadav, and secretary Kunal Choudhary Bidhuri. Students allege that individuals accompanying Maan, including his security personnel, frequently utilized the hostel mess facilities without obtaining proper coupons.
The Monday night incident reportedly began when an argument erupted between a mess worker and some of Maan's associates regarding coupon usage. During the escalating altercation, residents claim one individual seized the entire coupon booklet, intensifying tensions and sparking protests among hostel students.
Social Media Evidence and Conflicting Accounts
Videos circulating on social media platforms show substantial crowds raising slogans and demanding administrative action regarding the incident. However, Maan has denied any involvement of his security personnel in the scuffle or unauthorized residence in the hostel.
"It was a small issue. We didn't refuse to take coupons. A slight argument happened when the mess worker said people eat for free using Dusu's name and refused to give food to my guests. One of them took the coupon booklet in the heat of the moment," Maan stated.
Political Motivations and Official Allotments
Characterizing the episode as "politically motivated" and denying any unauthorized stay, Maan asserted that Dusu office-bearers have been officially allotted rooms at the hostel with vice-chancellor approval. "We stay with due approvals," he emphasized, adding that his security personnel do not reside within hostel premises and remain in their vehicle when he enters the campus.
Maan further alleged that hostel administration was attempting to target him specifically, using the incident as justification to vacate Dusu office-bearers from the hostel. Hostel authorities, however, described the occupation as "unauthorized" in their complaint and reiterated their intention to seal rooms if vacating orders were not followed.
Administrative Response and Resolution
DU Proctor Manoj Kumar confirmed that university administration intervened and the matter was resolved amicably. "It was a small argument which led to the issue," he commented. Regarding firearm allegations, Kumar stated he wasn't aware of any such incident but was investigating the matter thoroughly.
The proctor confirmed that Dusu office-bearers do possess official allotment at Gwyer Hall with special approval from the vice-chancellor. There has been no immediate response from the hostel provost regarding the ongoing situation.
Background and Security Considerations
Aryan Maan is the son of Haryana-based liquor businessman Sikandar Maan. Sources indicate that security coverage has been provided in consideration of his personal safety requirements. The incident has raised significant questions about security protocols within university hostel premises and the appropriate use of private security personnel in educational institutions.
The inquiry committee is expected to examine all aspects of the complaint, including allegations of firearm presence, threats to students and staff, unauthorized occupancy, and the broader implications for campus security and student welfare at Delhi University.
