- By Imran Zafar
- Wed, 26 Mar 2025 06:39 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A violent altercation erupted between two faculty members of the English department at Allahabad University (AU) in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj on Tuesday. The confrontation involved Head of Department (HoD) Prof SK Sharma and Associate Professor Dr Kumar Parag. Prof Sharma, who sustained injuries during the scuffle, was initially treated at Bailey Hospital before being referred to SRN Hospital for further medical attention. Dr Parag also sought medical treatment at Bailey Hospital.
Both professors have filed police complaints against each other at Colonelganj police station, levelling severe allegations including assault, attempted murder, use of abusive language and chain snatching. Each has demanded legal action against the other.
The brawl reportedly took place in Prof Sharma’s office in the afternoon. According to Dr Parag, the altercation stemmed from a dispute over a leave application. He claimed that Prof Sharma verbally abused him and when he protested, he was physically assaulted, resulting in a broken finger. Dr Parag further alleged that students attacked him at Bailey Hospital on the instructions of two faculty members, reported Jagran.com.
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Conversely, Prof. Sharma accused Dr Parag of attacking him with a rod when called for departmental discussions. He claimed he was beaten with kicks and punches, and his gold chain and Rudraksha rosary were forcibly taken. Prof. Sharma, who is also a member of the university’s working council, alleged that the assault was a premeditated conspiracy and demanded legal protection.
Following the incident, the Allahabad University administration has constituted an internal committee to probe the matter. While no formal police complaint has been registered yet, a police team was dispatched to the university after receiving information about the scuffle.
Colonelganj Station House Officer (SHO) Pradeep Kumar Singh confirmed that while the police are aware of the altercation, neither professor is currently hospitalised. Allahabad University Public Relations Officer Prof Jaya Kapoor stated that the administration would take appropriate action after reviewing findings from the internal inquiry. Meanwhile, the police have informed higher authorities and are actively investigating the case.