Punjab Police Nab Two for Inciting Unrest at Chitkara University Over Missing Students Rumor

In a significant turn of events, the Punjab Police apprehended two individuals on Friday for allegedly inciting chaos among students at Chitkara University by spreading false rumors about two female students reportedly missing from the university’s hostel. This incident has sparked considerable concern among the student community and raised questions about campus safety and the rapid dissemination of misinformation through social media.

The unrest at Chitkara University erupted late on September 25 when rumors began circulating on various social media platforms, claiming that two students had disappeared from their hostel premises. This misinformation led to heightened anxiety and panic among the students, resulting in a protest that escalated into violence. During the demonstration, students damaged two police vehicles and reportedly assaulted a police officer, who they claimed was intoxicated when he attempted to mediate the situation.

According to Patiala’s Senior Superintendent of Police, Harmandeep Singh Hans, the arrested individuals, identified as Himanshu and Aryan, are former students of Chitkara University. They are accused of using social media to disseminate misleading information, which incited students to take to the streets in protest. The police have charged them under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, which include serious offenses such as attempt to murder, wrongful confinement, obstructing a public servant, and rioting.

The First Information Report (FIR) was filed on September 29, following the violent outburst, and the police are actively pursuing an additional ten individuals named in the report for their alleged roles in inciting the unrest. This incident highlights the growing problem of misinformation, particularly in academic environments where students may be more vulnerable to panic and emotional reactions.

In the wake of these events, university authorities and law enforcement are emphasizing the importance of responsible social media use among students. They are also looking into measures to bolster safety protocols on campus to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. As the investigation unfolds, it remains critical for educational institutions to foster both a safe environment and a culture of accurate information dissemination among students.

Source: scroll.in