The investigation into the violence at Lovely Professional University (LPU) has reportedly widened, with Jalandhar Police examining several connected angles, including social media messages, attacks on police vehicles, the alleged use of petrol and the entry of outsiders into the university.
According to the report, the police investigation has brought two social media influencers, Mohammad Farhat Dev and James Dahiya, under scrutiny for allegedly provoking students through messages circulated online. Police have reportedly launched efforts to locate Farhat, with a special team sent to Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir.
Farhat Dev
Farhat Dev is identified as a first-year BBA student from Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, and a social media influencer known for poetry and rap. He came under scrutiny after other students accused him of involvement in the escalation of the protests and alleged vandalism inside the university.
Dev has denied responsibility for the violence. He acknowledged being present at the site but disputed allegations that he damaged university property. He said he had also tried to stop some people from vandalising property.
A separate report said police were examining CCTV footage and social-media videos to identify people involved in the violence. Allegations made against Dev in videos circulating online have not all been independently verified.
James Dahiya
James Dahiya, an LPU student from Sonipat, Haryana, is in a different position: police have arrested him in connection with the LPU violence case. Reports suggest that he was among the first five people arrested after police examined CCTV footage and other digital evidence.
It was reported that Dahiya was produced before a court along with two other accused and was sent to police remand.
Two accused brought from Mumbai
Reports states that two important accused, Krishna Kumar and student Bhavya, were arrested in Mumbai and were being brought to Jalandhar by flight for questioning.
During preliminary questioning, police reportedly found that the two had information about who had brought petrol to the spot. After the violence, they allegedly shared videos of burning vehicles with a message claiming that they had received justice.
Accused allegedly admit role in overturning vehicles
The investigation has also reportedly produced statements from accused persons about the violence.
According to the report, two accused arrested from Jammu, Sahil and Antariksh Dutta, allegedly told police that they were in contact with Farhat and had received repeated provocative messages from him.
Another accused, Ashutosh, reportedly told police that he did not personally set anything on fire but admitted to joining the crowd in overturning police vehicles.
Police vehicles allegedly targeted in planned attack
One major finding mentioned in the report concerns attacks on vehicles belonging to senior police officials.
According to police, the vehicles of the DSP Phillaur, DSP Adampur and Kotwali SHO were allegedly targeted as part of a planned attack.
Drivers reportedly told investigators that the vehicles had been parked on the flyover. The crowd allegedly began pelting stones and, when the drivers tried to move away, petrol was reportedly poured over the vehicles before they were set on fire.
Pizza delivery route allegedly used to enter campus
Another angle involves two pizza delivery workers, Jasmeet and Gagandeep, who have reportedly been arrested.
According to the report, both told police that they regularly entered the university to deliver pizzas and were therefore not stopped by security personnel. Investigators allege that this access was used to facilitate the entry of an outside associate identified as “Sheru” and his gang.
Police are reportedly conducting searches in Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Amritsar to locate members of the alleged group.
Digital evidence under scrutiny
DIG Naveen Singla reportedly said that substantial evidence is available against those involved in the violence. Investigators are examining videos to identify people who allegedly hid within the crowd while attacking others.
The police are also reportedly tracing the origin of WhatsApp and social media messages that spread allegations of rape and contributed to the gathering of a crowd.
Rape allegation also being investigated
The report says the SIT is examining the alleged rape-related messages from every angle. DIG Singla reportedly stated that no alleged victim had come forward.
Police questioned the Hostel-3 warden, security personnel and housekeeping staff, while inputs were also reportedly taken from some female students. CCTV footage is being examined as part of the inquiry.
Police have maintained that they did not intend to resort to a lathi charge, while alleging that outside miscreants targeted police and carried out vandalism and looting.
The investigation remains ongoing, with police examining CCTV footage, digital evidence, witness statements and the alleged network behind the violence.