1 day ago
High Court seeks Punjab report on LPU violence probe
The Punjab and Haryana High Court is asking the Punjab government what it has learned about violence at Lovely Professional University.
The violence began after an unverified message spread among students.
The message claimed that a female student had been raped on campus and sent home.
Students gathered near a hostel and blocked a highway.
The petition says outsiders later entered the university with weapons and caused damage.
They allegedly broke gates, destroyed cameras, looted shops, and started fires.
A student has asked for an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation.
A government lawyer said the police investigation must identify the people responsible.
The court will hear the matter again on October 8.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court sought a status report from the Punjab government on the LPU violence investigation.
The case was heard after student Ravi Raj petitioned for a Central Bureau of Investigation probe.
An unverified September 26 post alleged that a female student had been raped and sent home.
Students gathered at the girls’ hostel, blocked National Highway-44, and later outsiders allegedly vandalized the campus.
The next hearing is scheduled for October 8, with officials asked to identify culprits and actions taken.
- Who
- The Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Punjab government, Punjab Police, LPU student Ravi Raj, and Additional Solicitor Advocate General Satyapal Jain.
- What
- The court sought a status report on the investigation into violence and vandalism at Lovely Professional University; the petitioner requested a Central Bureau of Investigation probe.
- Where
- Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, including its girls’ hostel and main gates; students also blocked National Highway-44.
- When
- The unverified post circulated on the night of September 26; the hearing took place on Wednesday, with the next hearing set for October 8.
- Why
- The violence followed an unverified post alleging that a female student had been raped and sent home; officials are examining the spread of the information and the resulting damage.
Petitioner’s position
Government’s position
Who should investigate
Petitioner’s position
Ravi Raj sought a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the violence and vandalism.
Government’s position
The government is reporting on the ongoing Punjab Police investigation to the High Court.
Handling of misleading information
Petitioner’s position
The petition said relevant Information Technology Act rules should have been enforced after the misleading rumour spread.
Government’s position
Satyapal Jain said those behind spreading the information must be identified and suggested that a planned conspiracy appeared possible.
Key facts
- Court
- Punjab and Haryana High Court
- University
- Lovely Professional University, Phagwara
- Petitioner
- Ravi Raj, an LPU BTech student
- Investigation requested
- A status report on the Punjab Police probe
- Alternative probe sought
- A Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry
- Rumour date
- Night of September 26
- Next hearing
- October 8
Quotes
Satyapal Jain
Additional Solicitor Advocate General speaking to the media after the High Court hearing
“A complete status report (has been sought), what action has been taken, who are the culprits, what action has been taken against them, what action is being taken”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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