Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Chitkara University in Punjab’s Patiala has suspended academic activities until October 1 following campus protests linked to rumours about a ‘ghost’ and unverified claims involving two female students.
As per the official notice, September 28 to October 1, 2026, will be observed as “Non-Teaching Working Days.” The university has cited administrative reasons for the temporary suspension of academic activities.
While regular teaching activities have been suspended, faculty and staff members have been asked to continue attending the campus and carrying out administrative responsibilities. The academic break will be followed by the October 2 national holiday and the October 3–4 weekend.
advertisement
Regular academic activities are scheduled to resume on October 5, according to the university.
WHAT SPARKED THE PROTEST?
The protests erupted after unverified claims circulated on social media that two female students had allegedly died by suicide on campus.
The rumours reportedly spread after students said they heard screams on the night of September 24 and noticed two ambulances near the girls’ hostel. Posts and messages circulating among students subsequently claimed that two students were missing or had died, while alleging that the university administration was attempting to conceal the incident.
The situation escalated on Friday night, September 25, when a large number of students gathered on campus seeking clarification from the university administration. The protest later turned violent, with reports of damage to campus property and a police vehicle.
POLICE, UNIVERSITY CLARIFY STUDENT DEATH CLAIMS
Police and university authorities have said there is no confirmed report of the deaths or suicides of two students on the campus. Patiala police said students who raised claims about two missing female students were unable to provide their names or other identifying details. Police are investigating the claims and examining available CCTV footage.
The university has also said that the two ambulances seen near the girls’ hostel were linked to a student returning from hospital and were not connected to any reported death or suicide.
Authorities are also looking into the origin and spread of the rumours among students and on social media platforms.
PROTEST ESCALATES INTO VANDALISM
The unrest intensified after students gathered late at night seeking answers from the administration. The protest resulted in clashes between students and police, damage to university infrastructure and an attack on a responding police vehicle.
The incident has prompted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the unrest, including the spread of the unverified claims and the subsequent vandalism.
Chitkara University has suspended classes from September 28 to October 1, declaring the period as Non-Teaching Working Days amid student unrest. Regular classes are scheduled to resume on October 5 after the holiday and weekend.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
