In a coordinated operation across various regions in India, Punjab police have apprehended eight individuals linked to the violent protests that occurred last week on the Lovely Professional University (LPU) campus. Among those detained are six students and two non-students, with arrests made in locations such as Phagwara, Mumbai, Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
Authorities from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district arrested a minor, who is reportedly the same student featured in a viral photograph posing on a decommissioned MiG fighter jet located at the university. Additionally, a social media influencer from Kishtwar, Jammu, evaded capture while staying with relatives in Doda.
The arrests unfolded over two days, with four individuals taken into custody on Thursday, followed by the remaining four on Friday. Those detained on Friday have been identified as Antriksh Dutta and Sahil Singh from Jammu, along with Krishna Kumar Rajesh and Bhavishya Karan from Mumbai and Kalyan, respectively, as confirmed by Jalandhar Range DIG Naveen Singla.
On Thursday, police apprehended James Dahiya, another social media influencer from Sonipat, along with Ashutosh from Hamirpur. Among the non-students arrested the same day were Gagandeep and Jasmeet Kumar, both local residents employed at pizza outlets on campus. Authorities allege that they arrived on campus after learning of the unrest and participated in the ensuing looting. Gagandeep, James, and Jasmeet were subsequently brought before a local court and placed in police custody for three days.
DIG Singla disclosed that law enforcement has identified 20 individuals in connection with the incidents and that multiple police teams are actively conducting searches across several states to apprehend the remaining suspects. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is employing various methods, including reviewing CCTV footage from LPU and analyzing video evidence from news reports and social media, to locate those involved.
Allegations against some arrested individuals include violence and assaults on police officers, as well as attempts to prevent public servants from performing their duties. Police indicated that Dahiya operates a food establishment on campus and is implicated in both vandalism and social media activities related to the protests.
Regarding the minor from Mandi, authorities have not disclosed specific details about his involvement, aside from his connection to the viral MiG photograph. Following a raid on his residence, he was found to have the photograph set as his phone wallpaper.
As for the individual who has managed to avoid arrest, named Mohammed Farhat, DIG Singla stated that he is being investigated for his possible role in the vandalism on campus. He was reportedly seen on video close to SSP Kapurthala Gaurav Toora during the protests, presenting himself as a peaceful protester. With a significant following of 21,000 on Instagram, police are scrutinizing his behavior during the unrest.
Sahil was apprehended in Doda, where his father works as a government school teacher; however, his parents were unavailable for comment, having reportedly traveled to Punjab.
The police have filed four FIRs related to the incident. FIR 163, registered on September 28 at the Satnampura police station, includes charges related to rioting, robbery, and damage to property within the university, particularly in the Uni Mall area. Meanwhile, FIR 106, filed on the same day at the Sadar Phagwara police station, addresses attacks on police personnel and obstruction of their duties during the turmoil.
DIG Singla explained that police initially refrained from aggressive action, hoping to manage the situation without resorting to force against the protesting students. However, the intervention became necessary once protesters began throwing stones and bottles at law enforcement and media representatives, leading to significant property damage.
The unrest commenced early on September 27, following social media claims regarding an alleged sexual assault of a female student by an outsider, which prompted accusations that the university administration had failed to respond adequately. The protests escalated, blocking traffic on NH-44 for over 18 hours and resulting in vandalism, looting, and arson on campus.
At this time, the police have yet to locate the alleged victim of the sexual assault, despite interviewing numerous female students and hostel wardens, as well as dispatching a team to the relevant hostel area. Authorities have not confirmed whether the assault occurred.
Regarding the presence of outsiders during the protests, Singla noted that LPU has fostered an environment where alumni operate businesses and work on campus, leading to a complex situation regarding who participated in the violence. He emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue with students, advocating for a compassionate approach, while also affirming that individuals responsible for breaches of the law would face appropriate legal consequences.
