A video involving LPU student and social media influencer James Dahiya has emerged as part of the investigation into the violence at Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara, on September 27 and 28.
Dahiya, a resident of Sonipat, Haryana, was among the first students arrested by Punjab Police. Investigators have been examining videos, CCTV footage and social media material to identify those allegedly involved in the vandalism, arson, attacks on police personnel and other incidents during the unrest. Police have said the arrests were made after examining digital evidence collected from the campus and other sources.
Another video of James Dahiya, arrested in connection with the violence at Lovely Professional University (LPU), has surfaced.
In the video, Dahiya is seen smoking a cigarette and blowing out smoke while violence was unfolding at the Phagwara-based university. He later uploaded the video on Instagram with the caption, ‘Whatever I have done, I have done selflessly.’
Police said the video helped them identify and arrest him. During questioning, Dahiya reportedly admitted that a police vehicle was overturned in the heat of the moment after a lathi-charge.
Police are also investigating alleged social-media activity linked to Dahiya and influencer Mohammad Farhat Dev.
Farhat Dev named as accused, police teams looking for him
Police have also named social media influencer Mohammad Farhat Dev as an accused in the LPU violence case.
According to police, investigators are examining CCTV footage and videos in which Dev is allegedly seen entering the university’s Department of Student Welfare building shortly before a group of masked protesters entered the premises. Police are also examining other footage as part of the probe into the alleged vandalism inside the building.
Police teams have been sent to Jammu and Kashmir in an effort to trace Dev. His alleged role and the extent of his involvement remain subject to investigation.
Nine arrested so far
As of October 3, Punjab Police have arrested nine people in connection with the violence, vandalism, arson, alleged looting and highway blockade during the LPU protests.
According to police, seven of those arrested are LPU students, including a juvenile, while two are outsiders. The arrested students include James Dahiya, Ashutosh, Antriksh Dutta, Sahil Singh, Krishna Kumar and Bhavishya Karan, along with the juvenile. Two Phagwara residents, Gagandeep and Jasmeet Kumar, have also been arrested.
Police have identified 20 people as accused in different FIRs, while investigators continue to examine evidence against others.
CCTV and social media evidence at centre of probe
Punjab Police have said the investigation is being carried out using CCTV footage, videos recorded during the protests, social media posts and other digital evidence.
Investigators are trying to establish the sequence of events, identify people involved in the vandalism and arson, and determine the individual roles of those named in the cases. Police have said the investigation is continuing and further arrests may follow based on evidence
Police probe alleged role of social media rumours
Punjab Police have said unverified and fabricated social media claims played a role in triggering unrest at LPU. Investigators are examining the origin and spread of online material as part of the wider investigation.
Police have also been analysing social media reels and other online content to identify people who allegedly participated in the violence.
