Main accused arrested in PU South Campus stabbing case
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, April 3
The police arrested the main accused, a 17-year-old juvenile, in the South Campus stabbing case today. Panjab University student Aditya Thakur died after being stabbed at a musical concert on the Sector 25 campus on March 28. The police have also recovered the murder weapon from the juvenile, who is a resident of Mani Majra.
Earlier, a team, led by Sector 11 SHO arrested Lavish (19), Udey (19), Sahil (18) and Raghav (20) from Mani Majra.
On April 2, the court extended the accused's police remand for three days. Their interrogation revealed that the accused had used fake ID proof to gain entry into the concert venue.
Meanwhile, one of the student groups called off their protest after the Panjab University authorities announced an ex gratia of Rs 12.5 lakh for the family of Aditya Thakur. The authorities also agreed to providing free education to Aditya’s sister at the university for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees along with free hostel accommodation.
The Dean, Student Welfare (DSW), Dr Amit Chauhan, handed over a letter to Aditya’s family, confirming that a committee has approved the ex gratia.
“A sum of Rs 5 lakh from the ‘poor student welfare fund’ be sanctioned to the parents of the victim. Further, an amount of Rs 6 lakh be sanctioned from the ‘amalgamated funds’ — Rs 2 lakh each year for a period of three years,” read the order.
It further stated, “In addition, the one-year honorarium of the DSW, the DSW (Women) and the Associate DSW will be transferred to the victim’s parents. Also, the victim’s sister will be allowed to study free of cost in Panjab University at undergraduate and postgraduate level. She will be allowed free accommodation in the girls hostel on the campus as and when she is granted admission.”
Meanwhile, the other groups continued their protest at the Student Centre.
Key appointments
The PU authorities have appointed Prof Anil Monga as adviser (campus security) and Tejinder Singh Sandhu, former Punjab Police SP, as officer on special duty, campus security. These appointments are part of the university’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security measures on both its campuses. Professor Monga has been chief of university security and chairperson of PU police administration. He will advise the university on enhancing security protocols and strengthening institutional safety measures. Sandhu retired as SP (Detective), Bathinda, last year.
