New Delhi: A controversy has emerged at Jamia Millia Islamia after the Students' Federation of India (SFI) unit on campus strongly criticised Vice Chancellor Mazhar Asif over a remark made during a recent programme.

In a statement, the Students' Federation of India (SFI) alleged that the Vice Chancellor's comment that "we all have Mahadev's DNA" was "unscientific" and inconsistent with the academic ethos of the university. The student body further claimed that the remark undermined the institution's commitment to scientific temper.

The controversy coincided with protests by students against the 'Yuva Kumbh' event reportedly organised at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology auditorium. According to SFI, the programme proceeded despite resistance from sections of students, leading to delays and heightened tensions on campus.

Allegations of a crackdown have also surfaced, with SFI claiming that protesting students were subjected to force by the proctorial team. It described the administrative response as excessive, alleging that demonstrators were manhandled during what it termed a peaceful protest.

The student organisation has demanded accountability from the university administration, accusing it of endorsing divisive rhetoric and curbing democratic expression. It further asserted that such developments raise broader concerns about the space for dissent within academic institutions.