Magisterial probe ordered into PU student’s stabbing

The UT Administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the stabbing incident during a music concert at Panjab University on March 28, which claimed the life of Aditya Thakur (22), a student of the University Institute of Engineering and Technology. Besides, the university authorities have banned the entry of outsiders on the campus from tomorrow. The directive applies to all campuses and buildings located in Sector 14 and Sector 25.

The inquiry, ordered by the office of the District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner, will be conducted by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Central) Naveen. He has been asked to submit a report within two weeks. “The inquiry officer will have the liberty to associate any personnel of the university along with other stakeholders associated in organising the (Friday’s) concert,” read the order.

The probe will consider various aspects, including the circumstances under which Aditya was stabbed during/after the concert and security lapses. The SDM will also give recommendation in respect of preparing a standard operating procedure to be followed while organising such event/concert/shows on the university campus so as to prevent such incidents.

In a public notice-cum-office order, PU Registrar Prof YP Verma stated that no outsider would be allowed entry on the university premises from April 2. “All students, employees and other stakeholders are urgently required to carry and display their identity cards on their person while entering the university. Henceforth, checking of vehicles and persons entering the university campuses (from different gates) and buildings will be a regular feature,” he said.

Meanwhile, emotions ran high as never-before scenes were witnessed on the PU campus with students and members of political groups taking out a huge march along with the victim’s family. Ironically, even as Aditya was fatally stabbed by outsiders, non-students were part of the march today.

Aditya’s father Parveen Thakur, who was among the protesters, said, “I demand justice from the university authorities, the Chandigarh Police and whoever is responsible. All accused should be arrested soon and a fair trial should be conducted against all of them.”

The campus was turned into a fortress with heavy deployment of cops since morning on Tuesday. The march covered various departments and Student Centre before reaching Gate No. 2 (opposite Sector 15) where the protesters sat and demanded ‘justice’. The protesters then marched to the office of Vice-Chancellor. VC Renu Vig assured them that they were taking action in the case.

“The police have failed to reveal the role of the four persons arrested in the case. There were many other culprits and we have been kept in the dark. The university authorities are not providing any detail as to who was responsible for the security lapse, which led to the incident,” said a student leader addressing protesters.

After demanding resignation of the Dean Student Welfare (DSW) and the Chief Security Officer, the protesters are now seeking resignations of DSW (Women) and associate DSWs. By the evening, the Panjab University Campus Students Council (PUCSC) president said the protest would continue till all 15 accused were arrested. In a joint statement, student organisaions, including SOPU, HIMSU and SOI, and the PUCSC sought ex gratia support for Aditya’s family and educational expenses for his sister.

While no private or government guard carrying weapon is allowed on the PU campus, student political wing leaders were seen accompanied by their security personnel at the Student Centre. The youth leaders also confronted the UT police for their huge presence on the campus where students were protesting. The DSW office was also shut by the protesting students, as they demanded action against the official for the security lapse during the Friday night incident.

Meanwhile, a university official said the PU authorities were planning to meet the representatives of the protesting groups and the deceased’s father. Simultaneously, the police were investigating the case, added the official.

Aditya Thakur, a second-year student of computer science engineering, had sustained stab injuries in the thigh during a scuffle with a group of ‘outsiders’ around 9:30 pm on March 28. Later, four persons, all outsiders, were arrested in the case.