Chandigarh: Taking suo motu cognisance of incidents involving student protests at Lovely Professional University (LPU) and Chitkara University, the Punjab State Women Commission on Monday sought detailed reports from the respective district and police administrations, including copies of FIRs and details of measures taken to ensure students’ safety on the campuses.Regarding the situation at LPU in Phagwara, Kapurthala district, following reports of an alleged sexual assault and subsequent student protests and clashes, the commission directed the Kapurthala deputy commissioner and senior superintendent of police to submit a comprehensive report by Sept 30.The commission sought a copy of the FIR, details about the composition and status of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), security arrangements and CCTV surveillance in girls’ hostels, action taken on students’ grievances and measures to protect the complainant’s privacy and ensure that she faces no pressure or threat during the investigation. It also sought details of the action taken in connection with the protests and the resulting law-and-order situation.“According to media reports, the police initially did not confirm such an incident, but later, based on a female student’s statement, an FIR was registered and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to investigate the matter,” the commission said.Commission chairperson Raj Lali Gill said, “The Punjab State Women Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the incidents reported at LPU and Chitkara University. 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.”Similarly, taking suo motu cognisance of viral social media reports and student protests at Chitkara University in Rajpura, Patiala district, over unverified claims and concerns about student safety, the commission asked the Patiala deputy commissioner and senior superintendent of police to submit a report by Sept 30.The commission said the report should include details of any complaints or action taken regarding allegedly missing or injured students, security measures implemented by the university administration, the status of police verification of claims circulating on social media, and preventive steps taken to ensure campus safety.
