6 hrs ago
Chitkara University Unrest Spurs Probe Into Rumours, Outsider Role
Students at Chitkara University protested after strange sounds were played in a girls’ hostel.
Some students began believing that people were missing or had died, but the university and police said those rumors were false.
Police said the sounds were probably a student prank.
An ambulance had also come to campus for a sick student, which added to the confusion.
A priest visited the hostel because his daughter was there, but this was also misunderstood.
During the protests, two police vehicles were allegedly damaged and a police employee was manhandled.
Police calmed the situation within a few hours by talking with the students.
They are checking videos and investigating whether outsiders helped spread or worsen the unrest.
No FIR has been filed yet, although police have recorded a daily diary report.
Punjab Police registered a daily diary report but said no FIR has been filed over the Chitkara University violence.
Students allegedly damaged two police vehicles and manhandled a police employee during protests on September 25-26.
Police are investigating whether outsiders were involved and reviewing social media videos of the unrest.
The disturbance followed horror-like sounds in a girls’ hostel and rumors about missing students or suicides, which authorities denied.
Chitkara University declared holidays from September 28 to October 1, with classes scheduled to resume October 5.
- Who
- Students at Chitkara University, Punjab Police, and university authorities were involved; police are also examining possible outsider involvement.
- What
- Protests over hostel rumors escalated into alleged damage to two police vehicles and the alleged manhandling of a police employee.
- Where
- Chitkara University’s Rajpura campus in Punjab.
- When
- The unrest began on the night of September 25, escalated around 2 a.m. on September 26, and was followed by renewed student gatherings on September 26.
- Why
- Rumors followed strange sounds in a girls’ hostel, an ambulance visit, and a priest’s visit; police said the sounds were likely a student prank and that no students were missing or had died by suicide.
Police and University Authorities
Student Concerns
Cause of the unrest
Police and University Authorities
Police and university authorities said the hostel sounds were likely a student prank and denied that students were missing or had died by suicide.
Student Concerns
Students demanded answers about the sounds, the identity of those responsible, CCTV footage, and the condition of a student taken to hospital.
Handling of the protests
Police and University Authorities
Police said senior officers restored order through dialogue and counseling without using major force, while the university provided requested student and visitor details.
Student Concerns
Students gathered overnight and again the next day, with the protests escalating to alleged vehicle damage and the alleged manhandling of a police employee.
Possible outside involvement
Police and University Authorities
Police are investigating whether outsiders participated in or amplified the unrest, particularly through social media.
Student Concerns
The reports do not establish that outsiders were involved; students’ actions were described in the context of rumors circulating on campus and online.
Key facts
- Police action
- A daily diary report was registered; no FIR had been filed.
- Reported damage
- Two police vehicles were allegedly damaged.
- Reported assault
- Police said employee Ajay Kumar was allegedly manhandled.
- Investigation focus
- Police are reviewing social media videos and possible outsider involvement.
- Campus population
- The university has more than 20,000 students, with an estimated 15,000 living in hostels.
- Holiday period
- The university declared holidays from September 28 to October 1.
- Class resumption
- Classes were scheduled to resume on October 5.
Sources
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