The social media pictures of defaced chapel door of St. Stephen's college of Delhi University (DU) and also of defaced Cross inside the college premises on Saturday has triggered a row with student organisations indulging in allegations and counter-allegations among themselves.
On Friday afternoon, a controversy erupted when students of St Stephen's college allegedly noticed the doors of the chapel inside the college premises defaced. According to the reports, slogan 'Mandir Yahi Banega' was found written on the chapel's door. The vandalism was allegedly reported on Friday afternoon and by Saturday, the authorities had already started the work to remove it. However, Delhi police late on Saturday dismissed is as an act of mischief and asked people not to believe in rumours.
Along with the chapel's door, a cross on the grave of college founder Samuel Scott Allnut, was also allegedly defaced. An 'Om' symbol and the words “I'm going to hell” were scribbled on the cross with black ink. However, the authorities have denied any such incident. The college Principal John Varghese was not available for a comment.
The students claimed that the incident could be an attempt to promote the divisive politics in the campus.
“I did not see anything written on the chapel door; there was no such incident,” Bursar Renish Abraham said. Moreover, the Delhi Police on Saturday also dismissed the rumours and said that no incident had taken place.
“Many of the students and colleagues have seen that graffiti. I haven't seen it though. But the timing of what has happened is crucial as minority institutions are under attack,” said Nandita Narain, teacher at St. Stephen's.
The National Students Union of India (NSUI) alleged that this was a deliberate attempt by the “right wing” elements with an eye on Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections. .
“Both the slogans show the utterly disgusting mentality of the person or persons involved in such defacement of structures inside the college premises from where great souls have stepped out and made their own mark in India's history. It should however clearly remind us of the pattern that is repeated by rightwing elements every year before the new academic year begins and campaigning for DUSU begins in Delhi University,” said Neeraj Mishra, media- incharge, NSUI.
ABVP refuted the charges levelled by NSUI and alleged that NSUI leaders are playing dirty vote bank politics. “Our free advice to NSUI is not to play cheap politics on such a sensitive issue to further its vote back agenda,” he said.
“It looks like a deliberate attempt to polarize minority communities and create tension in the campus. St. Stephen's College is secured college campus with CCTVs at all important locations and very restricted entry. Outsiders are not allowed entry into the college premises during the day. Nobody could gain access without signing the register and security is even tighter during nights. The college administration should file an FIR immediately and the graffiti painter should be punished as soon as possible,” said Saket Bahuguna , national media convener, ABVP.