LPU violence: Punjab and Haryana HC gives police last chance, warns of independent probe

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday, October 12, pulled up the Punjab Police over alleged lapses in the investigation into the violence at Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara, last month, giving the state police a final opportunity to investigate the matter thoroughly before considering a transfer to an independent agency. A Division Bench of Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by LPU BTech student Ravi Raj, seeking a CBI probe into the violence, arson, vandalism and alleged looting that followed the circulation of an unverified social media post on September 26. The court questioned why the person who circulated the alleged rape rumour had not been properly questioned or arrested. It also expressed concern over the police affidavit, which, according to senior advocate Gaurav Chopra, appeared to give the accused a “clean chit” without adequately investigating the wider circumstances. The Bench emphasised the seriousness of the matter, observing that the fears raised before it were being taken seriously. Chopra pointed out that nine police personnel had been injured and claimed that the violence had caused losses of around Rs 30 crore. The state government told the court that the investigation had been widened, with counter-intelligence and the state cyber unit now involved. Senior advocate Chanchal Singla, appearing for Punjab, sought four weeks to complete the investigation, assuring the court that the government was taking the matter seriously. The Bench, however, directed the police to examine the wider implications of the incident, including threats to public safety and security, and take immediate remedial measures. It granted the state time until October 27, when the matter will be heard again, before deciding whether an independent agency should take over the probe. The court also stressed the need to identify the origin of the misleading social media message and establish who drafted and circulated it. The unrest began after an unverified Reddit post alleged that a female student had been sexually assaulted on campus and sent home. The claims triggered protests outside the girls’ hostel and a blockade of National Highway 44. Violence escalated on September 26 and 27, with university property damaged, shops looted and three police vehicles reportedly set on fire. The alleged sexual assault has not been confirmed by the investigation so far. Meanwhile, LPU resumed offline classes on Monday after remaining closed following the violence. Executive Dean and Head of Student Welfare Dr Sorabh Lakhanpal said online classes had continued during the closure and the university was committed to providing a safe academic environment. The university has constituted a disciplinary board to examine the conduct of students allegedly involved in the violence. Notices have been issued, requiring them to appear before the board on October 14. According to the report submitted, 89 students have been nominated in criminal FIRs relating to vandalism and the burning of police vehicles. Police have arrested 17 people, including 15 students.