Tension and massive protests witnessed at two major educational institutions in Punjab, namely Chitkara University and Lovely Professional University (LPU), have now subsided as authorities bring the situation under control. Police are currently investigating both incidents, with law enforcement and university administrations suggesting that anti-social elements might have been involved. Authorities are examining the angle that violence across both campuses was deliberately incited as part of a larger conspiracy.
Why Did Unrest Erupt at Chitkara University?
A couple of days ago, students at Chitkara University staged a massive demonstration following rumors about the disappearance of two female students. Widespread vandalism occurred on campus during the protest. Senior officials subsequently visited the university, received grievances from students, and initiated a formal inquiry. Police stated that while protesting students claimed two girls were missing, none of them possessed concrete information regarding who the alleged missing students were. No names or identities of any female students have surfaced, and prima facie the matter appears to have stemmed from a rumor. Nevertheless, a thorough investigation is underway, and appropriate legal action will follow if any student is genuinely found missing.
What Triggered the Student Protests at Lovely Professional University?
Following the earlier incident, protests erupted at Lovely Professional University (LPU) located in Phagwara. Demonstrating students alleged that a female student had been raped by an outsider, escalating the unrest. Late Saturday night, students engaged in campus vandalism and blocked National Highway 44. The angry mob also torched multiple vehicles, including several police cars. By late Sunday night, the protest turned violent, resulting in injuries to multiple police personnel due to stone-pelting by students. However, university administration dismissed the rape allegations as baseless rumors. LPU Dean Saurav Lakhanpal stated that a deep inquiry into the matter revealed the entire uproar was built entirely upon rumors.
DGP Visits Campus as Special Investigation Team is Formed
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the matter. Acting on the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav personally visited the LPU campus. The DGP noted that certain elements attempted to vitiate the atmosphere following provocation and pelted stones at police vehicles. Scientific and technical analysis of CCTV footage is underway to identify all individuals involved in the violence, and strict action will be taken against anyone taking the law into their own hands. Meanwhile, following the violent protests, LPU suspended regular classes for 10 days. The Dean reiterated that the situation was fueled by rumors and urged students to understand that external anti-social elements are strongly suspected of orchestrating a conspiracy.
How Authorities Brought the Protests Under Control
Following the demonstration at Chitkara University, local SHO Gursewak Singh, DSP Banur, and other police officials held discussions with the university administration and students to listen to their grievances. Police accepted complaints from the students and assured a transparent inquiry. DSP Sukhdev Singh assured everyone that there was no need to panic, as police personnel were deployed on-site and safety arrangements were fully managed. He stated that all student grievances would be investigated and wrongdoings would face strict legal action.
Meanwhile, at Lovely Professional University, DIG Jalandhar Range Naveen Singla, SSP Kapurthala Gaurav Toora, along with the SSPs of Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar Rural, arrived at the spot around 1:30 AM. They managed the situation and initiated dialogue with the students. Acting as a bridge, police facilitated communication between the university administration and the student body to resolve grievances through talks. An FIR has been registered, a high-level SIT has been formed, and a detailed probe has been promised. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has ordered the strictest possible action against the perpetrators.
Opposition Targets State Government
With the Punjab assembly elections approaching, the incidents have drawn sharp political reactions. Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal directly targeted Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alleging that he has failed to maintain law and order in the state. He claimed the situation was not handled in a timely manner and blamed the government for shifting the onus onto students. Badal also condemned the police lathi-charge on students. On the other hand, BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu termed the LPU violence a conspiracy aimed at diverting attention from genuine issues in Punjab. Bittu wrote that the BJP's 'Drug Free Punjab' campaign has been receiving massive public support, and the unrest at LPU was orchestrated specifically to divert public focus.
