DU Violence: Ruchi Tiwari Assaulted Over Caste in UGC Protest

It refers to a recent incident at Delhi University (DU) during a UGC protest rally. A female YouTuber named Ruci Tiwari was allegedly assaulted while covering the event, leading to an FIR by Delhi Police.

Incident Details

The clash occurred on February 13, 2026, amid protests supporting UGC, involving students and possibly aggressive groups formed on caste lines. Videos show heated arguments, with claims of physical assault on Tiwari and others, including caste-related slurs like references to "Brahmin."

Police Action

Delhi Police registered an FIR based on Tiwari's complaint, investigating the violence that continued into the night. Both sides have shared their versions, with viral footage highlighting the chaos.

Classic case of Discrimination

In the quiet moments when we reflect on our shared life as a nation, it's hard not to feel a gentle ache for what could be. We've journeyed through two full decades of the 21st century, a time when the world has leaped forward with technology connecting hearts across continents, ideas flowing freely, and solutions emerging from data and dialogue. Yet, in our own backyard, the air often feels thick particularly at Government level with division, as if old shadows linger, pulling us back to ways of thinking that belong more to history books than to our vibrant present. Why does this happen? It's a question that tugs at the soul, inviting us not to blame, but to understand and gently nudge toward better paths.

Consider the essence of division in public life. It creeps in like morning mist, subtle at first, obscuring the common ground we all stand on. Politicians, those stewards of our collective dreams, sometimes speak in tones that sharpen differences rather than soften them. A comment here, a rally there, and suddenly neighbors who once shared chai and stories become voices raised in opposition. It's not that passion for ideas is wrong—far from it; it's the lifeblood of progress. But when that passion tips into painting others as foes, it leaves us all a little more isolated, a little less whole. Imagine a family dinner where every topic turns into a debate, forks clinking louder than laughter. That's the quiet sorrow of unnecessary divides. We deserve conversations that build bridges, not walls, where listening holds as much power as speaking.

And then there's the way we handle challenges, which can sometimes echo approaches from simpler, harsher times. In an era of instant information and global wisdom, it's poignant to see issues met with reactions that feel reactive. Medieval times had their place—feudal loyalties along with caste orientation kept societies intact amid chaos and had also provided the economic stablity—but today, we have tools like evidence, empathy, and institutions designed for fairness. Yet, when tensions flare on campuses or streets, the response often stirs the pot further, inciting more heat than light. It's as if we're reaching for swords when scalpels would heal. A softer way forward might start with pausing, breathing, and letting calm voices lead. After all, true strength lies not in the loudest shout, but in the steady hand that upholds what’s right for everyone.

This brings us to the heartbreaking shadow over our universities, those cradles of thought where young minds should bloom freely. A girl's life cut short on a campus—any campus—is a wound that pierces the nation's heart. Violence of any kind, especially one sparked by instigation amid heated debates, shatters the promise of education as a safe haven. Whatever the spark—be it politics, protests, or personal grudges—the act itself is a profound wrong, a betrayal of the trust we place in shared spaces. Campuses are meant for ideas to clash and refine, not for fists or worse. When such a crime unfolds, the path ahead must be clear: swift, impartial justice through the rules that bind us all. No excuses, no delays, no letting emotions override the law. The culprits, whoever they are, must face the full measure of accountability, not because of sides or sympathies, but because that's the only way to honor the lost life and protect every other dreamer walking those halls.

Vineet Joshi: UGC Chairman Disputes

Vineet Joshi, an IAS officer and Secretary of Higher Education, took additional charge as acting UGC Chairman in April 2025 after the previous chairman retired. This move sparked debate as it seemed to go against UGC Act rules barring government officers from the role and skipping the vice-chairman.In January 2026, new UGC equity rules under his leadership faced strong protests. Critics argued the rules could allow biased probes against general category students, lacking fair representation in equity cells, leading to nationwide calls for his removal.

Think of it like tending a garden. Weeds of violence choke the flowers of potential if left unchecked. Pulling them requires care—firm roots out, soil turned—but without rage that uproots the good along with the bad. In this case, instigating violence on campus isn't just a lapse; it's a spark that endangers everyone. Rules exist as our gentle guardians, ensuring one wrong doesn't cascade into chaos. Applying them consistently rebuilds trust, showing that no one is above the line we draw for safety. It's a quiet revolution: choosing order over outrage, precedent over passion. When we do, universities reclaim their magic—places where a student's bold question can change the world, unmarred by fear.

MMS was crippled by political paralysis, but present Govt. is paralyzing the system with his reckless misadventure policies.

But let's widen our gaze. This isn't isolated; it's a thread in a larger tapestry of how we navigate discord. In the second decade of our century, we've seen technology knit us closer—social media buzzing with voices from every corner—yet it amplifies echoes of division if we're not mindful. Politicians could lead by modeling unity, turning debates into dialogues that invite the other side to the table. Handling issues with a modern touch means leaning on facts, fostering understanding, and resisting the pull of medieval might-is-right. Picture leaders sitting with students, not shouting from podiums; communities healing through conversation, not confrontation. It's possible, and it's happening in pockets—small acts of kindness amid storms, grassroots efforts bridging gaps.

The DU incident is a blatant injustice that crushes students' futures with ruthless inefficiency. Picture a hardworking student, years of sweat and sacrifice leading to admission, only to have it snatched away by a caste certificate which too was/is not his/her hand or college bureaucracy's whims—it's not verification, it's victimization.