All women SIT to investigate Chandigarh University video row

After students abandoned their agitation following guarantees from the university and police, Punjab’s top cop announced on Monday that an all-female special investigations team (SIT) would look into the Chandigarh University video dispute.

“On directions of Chief Minister Punjab Bhagwant Mann, a three-member all-women SIT has been constituted to investigate the Chandigarh University case, under the supervision of senior IPS officer Gurpreet Kaur Deo,” DGP Punjab Mr. Gaurav Yadav said on Monday.

He also thanked the Himachal Pradesh Police and said, “One student and two others were arrested. Thanks to DGP Himachal Pradesh for excellent co-operation. Electronic devices were seized and sent for forensic examination”.

The SIT will go to the bottom of the conspiracy. No person is to be spared if found involved. Appeal to everyone to maintain peace and harmony. Don’t fall for unverified rumours. “Let’s work together for peace in society,” he said in a video statement.

On Saturday, claims that videos of 60 female students had been leaked sparked the issue. Then there was a period of protests that lasted well into the night. Following the arrests, the police and the university made it clear that only one video had been transferred by a female student to a friend in Shimla. They argued that it was her own video. They went on to say, despite rumours, that there were no suicide attempts.

As of now, Chandigarh University is closed till Saturday. After receiving assurances that a 10-member student committee would be updated on the case, the hostel warden would be suspended, and a review of the arrangements at the girls’ hostel, students who had been protesting the incident withdrew their protest.