Police Resort to Lathi-Charge at Delhi University's DDU College Fest Amid Massive Crowd Chaos
In a dramatic turn of events, police personnel were forced to use lathi-charge outside Delhi University's Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) College in Dwarka on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred during the second day of the annual fest, Kalrav 2026, which featured a performance by renowned singer Mohit Chauhan. A massive crowd had gathered, leading to chaotic scenes and allegations of mismanagement.
Chaotic Scenes and Social Media Videos
Purported videos circulating on social media platforms depicted police personnel wielding batons to disperse the unruly crowd at the college gate. Additional clips showed attendees attempting to scale the boundary wall to gain entry into the campus. Students on the ground reported that a stampede-like situation developed after entry was restricted, prompting police to use force to control the crowd.
According to a senior police officer, no formal inquiry has been initiated as no injuries were reported and no medico-legal case was registered. The officer explained, "The crowd included many outsiders. There were two separate lines, one for boys and another for girls, but the boys' line was significantly longer. Some boys moved into the girls' line, began misbehaving, and engaged in pushing and shoving."
Efforts to Maintain Order and Police Intervention
Both college authorities and police repeatedly attempted to pacify the crowd, urging groups to separate and maintain law and order. However, the presence of a large number of outsiders made managing the situation exceptionally challenging. When the crowd failed to comply, mild force had to be employed to restore control.
The officer clarified, "A total of 120-125 personnel were deployed, with an assistant commissioner of police in charge. The college administration has also conducted an inquiry, and nothing serious was found." Principal Hem Chand Jain of DDU College told TOI that police intervention was necessary to prevent serious harm, particularly to women, after some students without valid QR codes created a ruckus and attempted forced entry.
Fest Entry Restrictions and Overwhelming Turnout
According to fest organizers, entry to Kalrav 2026 was strictly restricted to Delhi University students with valid ID cards and QR codes issued after prior registration. Approximately 8,000 registrations were approved, including 3,000 from the host college and 5,000 from other colleges.
However, on the second day, over 50,000 students turned up outside the venue, many allegedly without valid ID cards or registration. Entry for the 7 PM event was closed at 2 PM as crowds swelled, but gates had to be reopened after groups began agitating. Organizers claimed that as many students as feasible were accommodated, including some without proper documentation.
Medical Assistance and Safety Measures
The college team stated that individuals who felt unwell or sustained minor injuries were provided with immediate medical assistance. Sanket Pathak, an alumni organizer, told TOI, "The entry was being managed by student volunteers, staff, and bouncers; but when the situation escalated, police personnel had to step in. No major injury was reported." Around 150 police personnel and bouncers were stationed to ensure safety, and no major accidents occurred.
Political Backlash and Calls for Action
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) alleged poor crowd management and criticized the use of force on students. The organization protested outside Dwarka police station, demanding action against the involved police personnel and calling for stronger safety measures at upcoming Delhi University festivals. Organizers emphasized that they had held multiple meetings with police and obtained all necessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to conduct the fest in accordance with DU guidelines.
