Chandigarh Uni MMS row- Punjab Police forms SIT, Himachal Pradesh arrests accused from Shimla

New Delhi, September 19

The Punjab Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on the instructions of the Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann in the Chandigarh University MMS row. 

Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said, “We have formed a SIT lead by senior officer Gurpreet Deo to probe the incident and the following protests in Chandigarh University”. 

The Punjab Police arrested a female student and her friend, a resident of Shimla on September 18 following the leak of the MMS video.

As per the case details, it is being alleged that the girl from Rohru (Shimla) made videos of other girls at CU and later shared them with her friend Sahil, who runs a cosmetics shop in Rohru.

The Mohali Police probed the accused girl student after registering a case under the IT Act.

The students launched massive protests on the premises alleging that 'private' and 'objectionable' videos of several female hostel inmates were leaked on the Internet.

The students alleged that the videos of nearly 60 girls taking baths in the hostel leaked. On the other hand, the varsity issued a statement that one video was circulated. Moreover, it was captured and circulated by the accused. They said that the girl had made the video and shared it herself with her friend in Himachal Pradesh.

The students alleged that the university had been concealing the 'truth'. The protesting students have said they would take up discussions with the authorities only if it was done openly. They also alleged that the police used force against the students who had been protesting.

Hundreds of students held out protests at Chandigarh University campus in Mohali following claims of a female student making and circulating objectionable videos of several female hostel inmates. The protesting students alleged that the girl used her mobile to make videos of students taking a bath.

The university maintained that the video had been leaked by a girl student, who herself sent the video to one of her friends. The development came to the fore after Chandigarh University's pro-chancellor issued a statement clarifying there have been no suicides or deaths on campus.

The varsity announced September 19 and 20 will be non-teaching days for students. Flagging 'unavoidable reasons' as the justification for the closure, the university has asked all teachers and staffers to be present on both days.

The Mohali police said that as per medical records, no suicide attempt or death has taken place. One student who was taken in an ambulance was suffering from anxiety, and police team is in contact with her. 

The police quashed reports that MMS clips were leaked online and maintained that there is only one video of the accused herself and no other videos as alleged were found, police added. 

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that a high-level inquiry has been ordered into the incident. "Sad to hear of the incident at Chandigarh University. Our daughters are our pride. We have ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. Whoever is guilty will face strict action. I am constantly in touch with the administration. I appeal to all of you to avoid rumours."