After CU, massive protests erupt in Lovely Professional University over student’s suicide

Days after massive student protests rocked Chandigarh University (CU), students at Jalandhar-based Lovely Professional University (LPU) were seen embroiled in protests over an alleged student suicide. A series of videos purportedly showed large crowds gathered on the campus grounds on Tuesday evening, raging against the varsity administration. However, the police clarified that the student died by suicide due to “personal issues.”

Protests rock varsity

 After massive protests on the campus of Chandigarh University (CU) – which ended on Sunday night – the latest incident added fuel to the fire. Protests erupted on the LPU campus on Tuesday evening with students accusing authorities of inaction. Protesters could be seen banging on the gates of the administration office, alleging that this is the second student suicide in 10 days. According to The Tribune, the students were protesting against the private university’s administration being tight-lipped over the issue.

The Deceased

The deceased has been identified as Agun, a resident of Kerala. The B. Design student allegedly committed suicide on Tuesday afternoon due to some personal issues. A suicide note was also recovered from the site in which only personal reasons were found written as the cause of suicide.

Police version

DSP Phagwara informed that the student had committed suicide at 5:30 pm. Soon after that, the police sealed the room and a suicide note was also recovered from there the student died provided several reasons which were personal, he said. Phagwara added: “The family members of the deceased student have been informed and they will reach here soon. Whatever action will be taken by the police will be informed. I appeal to the students to maintain peace”. As per the media reports, heavy deployment of police has been made on the university campus as officials are not ruling out the possibility of further protests.

University response   

The LPU expressed grief over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved family. It ordered a probe. It also released a statement on Tuesday night. The varsity in a statement issued last night said: “LPU is saddened by the unfortunate incident. The initial investigation by the police and the contents of the suicide note point toward the personal issues of the deceased. The university is providing full support to the authorities for further investigation.” It added: “The University mourns the loss of the student and expresses its condolences to the bereaved family.”

-IANS