5 yrs on, South Campus security issue fails to draw UT’s attention

The UT Administration has failed to raise the height of a boundary wall separating Panjab University's South Campus from the Sector 25 Colony despite the project having been approved in 2020.

Aditya Thakur, a second-year Computer Science Engineering student, was fatally stabbed on the South Campus by a group of youths during a musical event.

The 5’-11½” brick wall with a 3’ railing in question had been approved on the request of the university to enhance security and do away with loitering of outsiders on the campus. Following up, the varsity authorities last July wrote to the Department of Urban Planning, asking for requisite action but were told to contact the Engineering Department.

“…it is intimated that requisite action in the matter has already been taken by this office wherein the height of boundary wall between (Sector 25) Colony and university was approved to be considered as 5’-11½” of brick wall with 3’-0” railing with the approval. It is therefore requested to take up the matter with the concerned (Engineering Department) at your own level,” the letter read.

As asked, the varsity approached the Engineering Department reiterating the need of a proper safety wall to no avail. “It is requested that the construction may kindly be taken up at the earliest to prevent Colony residents from throwing garbage in Panjab University Campus and also to enhance security in university campus,” the request from the varsity had read.

"The issue concerns the Municipal Corporation and PU and this was already conveyed to all concerned parties in the past," Chief Engineer CB Ojha said.

‘Trouble spot’

The South Campus has been a “trouble spot” for the authorities. It houses the University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET), the department with the biggest strength, as well as girls and boys hostels, an alumni house, the dental department and other lodging facilities. It is surrounded by residential areas and is located on one of the city’s busiest roads. While one part of the campus is protected by proper fencing, the side adjoining the Sector 25 Colony is only guarded by an inadequately sized wall.

On March 28, the day of Thakur’s murder, he and his friends were stabbed during a concert. At the time, several outsiders had allegedly scaled the wall on the Sector 25 Colony side to enter the campus. Videos of outsiders jumping over the wall through gaps in the barbed wire near Gate Number 2 to enter the campus had also gone viral during Holi festivities. On paper, the entry of outsiders had been banned for both the events.

A wake-up call

While the varsity security staff regularly inspects vehicles entering the campus, the screening has intensified since the March 28 murder. The varsity has also adopted a strict policy against entry of non-students. Sources privy to the developments also claimed that the authorities will take a few decisive calls with regards to the entry of vehicles and overall campus security in the coming weeks.

“We are not a Student Centre or shops-running institution, we have to maintain an image of providing security to our students,” an official said.

Meanwhile, the Student Centre is abuzz with protesters demanding justice for Aditya Thakur and his family.

Sources claimed that a Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising all student organizations are planning a mass protest and complete lockdown of the university departments. A QR code has been issued by the JAC for students, asking them to share their security concerns and their take on cultural events on campus.

An online prayer meeting, meanwhile, was also held for Thakur outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office today.