Police have arrested two more people in connection with the violence at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara. The accused have been identified as Yogesh Apoorva, a resident of Merta in Rajasthan, and Aditya, a resident of Hajipur in Uttar Pradesh.
Aditya was nabbed from Noida, while Apurva was arrested from Phagwara.
According to information, both accused were arrested in connection with the alleged vandalism of vehicles during the violence. Police are expected to produce them before the court and seek their remand for further questioning.
4 FIRs registered in the case
According to police sources, several students allegedly involved in the violence have been identified. So far, four FIRs have been registered in connection with the case. The FIRs relate to alleged misconduct with a female student, looting and vandalism, blocking the highway, and setting government vehicles on fire.
As of now, 21 people have been named in the cases, of whom 11 have been arrested. Police sources said nine of those arrested are LPU students.
Earlier arrests from Phagwara, Jammu and Mumbai
Before the latest arrests, police had arrested nine accused in connection with the violence. A few days ago, DIG Naveen Singla said during a press conference that two people had been arrested from Phagwara, while arrests had also been made from Jammu and Mumbai.
Police had also identified and arrested a person from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh who was allegedly seen climbing onto the MiG-23UM fighter jet installed outside the university campus during the violence. The accused was a minor and an LPU student. His father is reportedly posted as an officer at the Mandi DC office.
Police, media allegedly targeted during violence
According to DIG Naveen Singla, students allegedly pelted stones at police personnel and media representatives during the unrest. Several vehicles were vandalised, while some were allegedly set on fire.
The DIG said police did not initially resort to a lathi-charge. According to him, action was taken after protesters allegedly started stone-pelting and vehicles were set ablaze, following which police attempted to clear the area and bring the situation under control.
SIT scans CCTV and social media footage
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been examining footage from social media platforms, news channels, LPU and other locations to identify those allegedly involved in the violence.
Two FIRs mentioned in connection with the investigation are FIR No. 163 at Satnamapura police station and FIR No. 106 at Sadar Phagwara police station. Police are continuing their investigation and efforts to trace other accused allegedly involved in the violence.