Brutal Police Crackdown on SFI Protest in Delhi Against Caste Discrimination in Higher Education Institutions

New Delhi: The Central Executive Committee of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) has strongly condemned the Delhi Police action agaisnt the SFI march to the Union Ministry of Education. It was reported that the leaders who participated in the march were brutally assaulted by police.

More than 100 students, including All India President Adarsh M Saji, All India Joint Secretary Aishe Ghosh, and CEC members Suraj Ilamon and Abhijith M L, were forcibly detained by the police.

The march was organised demanding the implementation of the Rohith Vemula Act to prevent discrimination in higher education institutions and the strict enforcement of UGC Equity Regulations 2026, which was recently stayed by the apex court. The SFI said in a statement that the police crackdown on students, who were peacefully protesting against caste discrimination on campuses, reflects an authoritarian approach.

"Instead of addressing institutional caste discrimination, the government is attempting to suppress students’ voices," the organisation said. SFI General Secretary Srijan Bhattacharyya demanded the immediate release of all arrested leaders and students, and warned that the organisation would intensify nationwide protests until equity and justice in higher education institutions are ensured.