PU security chief, DSW officials return; fact-finding report submitted
Chandigarh: Following an internal inquiry conducted after the murder of UIET student Aditya Thakur during a campus concert, Panjab University is set to reinstate its student welfare officials, who were relieved of duty in the aftermath, pending inquiry. The fact-finding committee, constituted by the university, has submitted its report, recommending changes to event safety, emergency preparedness, and internal coordination.
Those returning include dean student welfare (DSW) Prof Amit Chauhan, DSW (Women) Prof Simrit Kahlon, Associate DSW Prof Naresh, and chief of university security Vikram Singh. While the DSW team has resumed office, Singh is expected to return after about a week — once new standard operating procedures (SOPs) on security are finalised.
To bridge the gap between campus security and the student community, and to improve real-time coordination during student events, the vice-chancellor has appointed Prof Dinesh Kumar Bishnoi from the department of laws as the new faculty incharge of security. The move is aimed at ensuring that concerns related to safety, discipline, and student conduct are addressed more promptly.
Aditya Thakur, a second-year engineering student, died after being stabbed during a crowded concert of Haryanvi singer Masoom Sharma on March 28. The incident, involving outsiders, triggered outrage over the lack of safety measures and prompted dual inquiries—one by the university and another ordered by the deputy commissioner, led by the SDM.
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According to sources, the committee also flagged the need for improved coordination among senior university officials. A university source said the panel had found signs of internal friction and advised structural clarity.
Vice-chancellor Prof Renu Vig said, "We are committed to doing everything necessary to improve student safety. The committee's recommendations will be implemented in full spirit. With the DSW office back in place, we can now better handle upcoming student activities like farewells and admissions, where students were facing inconvenience."
The SDM-led inquiry ordered by the Deputy Commissioner on April 1 had initially been given a two-week deadline, but nearly a month later, the report is still awaited. As the university begins to act on its internal findings, focus will also remain on the outcome of the official administrative probe and whether it prompts further accountability.
BOX- Recommendations
The university's internal committee, headed by Prof Nandita Singh, has made wide-ranging recommendations
• Mandatory ambulances with medical staff and driver at large student gatherings
• A shift away from risky star nights toward promotion of student-led performances
• Restrictions on public-entry events inside the campus
• Clearly defined SOPs for event planning and security coordination
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