The faceless and leaderless violent student protest that started on the campus of Phagwara-based Lovely Professional University (LPU) since early Sunday morning, following rumors and baseless allegations, has raised many serious questions, the answers to which the administration currently does not have.
Violence in LPU: What happened?
A protest was held by the students regarding an alleged sexual harassment case involving a female student at Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara. The situation became tense during the protest and later turned violent. Along with damage to campus property, clashes also took place between the police and the protesters.
Why did the students protest?
The students demanded a fair investigation into the matter, strengthening of security arrangements in the hostels, and action against anyone found guilty. During the protest, the students also blocked NH-44, due to which traffic was affected. A large number of police personnel were deployed to control the situation.
Formation of SIT for investigation
Regarding the matter, the police have registered an FIR against an unidentified person, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed for the investigation. During the investigation, technical information including CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and phone data is being examined. At the same time, the LPU management has denied the claims of an alleged sexual harassment incident occurring on the campus and termed the rumors circulating on social media as baseless.
Punjab Women’s Commission seeks report on LPU incident
The Punjab State Women’s Commission has sought a detailed report from the Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Kapurthala regarding the alleged incident that occurred at LPU. Through a letter dated September 28, the Commission stated that the matter came to their attention through media reports and allegations leveled by the students. The Commission noted that this incident has raised concerns regarding the safety of female students on the university campus.
What is the situation on the campus now?
Following the violent incidents, LPU has decided to suspend classes for 10 days starting September 28 and postpone the mid-term examinations. According to the police, the situation is currently under control. However, the matter related to the alleged sexual harassment is still under investigation, and further facts regarding the incident will only become clear after the results of the investigation.
Government and police take notice
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has taken notice of the violence that took place at LPU. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav also reached LPU and took stock of the situation. The police investigation into the matter is ongoing, and it has been stated that action will be taken according to the law against the individuals found responsible for the violence.
Where does the matter stand now?
On one hand, students are raising questions regarding a transparent investigation of the alleged incident and campus security, while the university has denied the claims regarding the alleged incident. On the other hand, the facts of the matter are being gathered by the police through an FIR and SIT investigation.
Amidst this controversy, it remains to be clarified how the incident started, whether outsiders were present, who was involved in the violence, and under what circumstances the police action took place. The government has ordered an impartial inquiry. Now all eyes are on the results of the investigation—because the answers to the questions related to the actual incident, responsibility, and violence will become clear only after the investigation is completed.
Saada Punjab does not confirm any rumours.
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