Punjab women's panel seeks reports from LPU, Chitkara after campus protests
The Punjab State Women Commission on Monday took suo motu cognisance of two protest incidents at Lovely Professional University and Chitkara University, and sought detailed reports from the district and police administrations concerned. The commission has asked for copies of the FIRs and details of the safety and security measures in place for students on both campuses.
The two universities have seen student protests over the past two days. At Chitkara University, students launched an agitation over unverified claims that two female students had allegedly died by suicide on the campus. At LPU, students went on a rampage and blocked a national highway over allegations that an outsider had raped a female student on the university premises.
Punjab State Women Commission chairperson Raj Lali Gill said she had taken suo motu cognisance of the incidents reported at LPU and Chitkara University.
In a post on X, she said, "We have sought a detailed clarification on the entire matter, copies of the FIRs and comprehensive reports on the safety and security measures in place for students on both campuses. Students' safety is the prime concern. Accountability and transparency are imperative."
In its communication to the Kapurthala DCP and the SSP, the commission referred to media reports on the protest at LPU. It noted that police had already registered an FIR on the basis of a complaint by students and that a Special Investigation Team had been formed. The commission asked for an inquiry by a senior officer and sought a report by September 30. It also asked for a copy of the FIR, details of the SIT's composition, and the status of the investigation so far.
The commission further sought information on security arrangements for students at the girls' hostels, including CCTV surveillance, security staff and entry and exit monitoring. It also asked the university administration to submit a report on complaints received regarding the safety of female students and the action taken on them. The panel said steps should be taken to ensure that the victim does not face any pressure or threat during the investigation.
On the Chitkara University incident, the commission asked police whether they had received any complaint about the disappearance, injury or any other untoward incident involving a student from the university. It said that, if such a complaint had been received, a copy of it and a detailed report on the action taken should be sent to the commission.
It also sought a report on the steps taken by the university administration over the security concerns raised by students, along with details of measures to ensure the safety of girl students and prevent such a situation from arising in future. Overall, the commission has sought reports from both institutions and the authorities as it examines the two incidents and the safety measures on the campuses.- Ends
