Panjab University Grapples with Social Media Misinformation Campaign Amidst Political Tensions
Chandigarh – Panjab University (PU) finds itself embroiled in a new controversy as it combats a wave of misinformation and impersonation on social media platforms, particularly Instagram. This latest challenge comes on the heels of the recent student death and ensuing protests, exacerbating an already tense atmosphere on campus. The university administration has lodged a formal complaint with the Chandigarh Police, urging them to take swift action against the anonymous accounts responsible for spreading misleading content and potentially inciting violence.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Renu Vig, confirmed the complaint and emphasized the seriousness of the issue. The proliferation of unauthorized pages using the university’s name and logo has raised concerns about the potential for reputational damage and the disruption of campus harmony. To address this growing problem, PU has established a dedicated committee to develop a comprehensive social media framework. The committee, comprising the director of public relations, the chief of university security, the director of the computer centre, and faculty members, will focus on strategies to curb the spread of harmful content and ensure responsible online engagement.
The social media maelstrom follows the tragic death of 19-year-old student Aditya Thakur, an incident that has further polarized the campus community. Two main factions have emerged: the Joint Action Committee (JAC), staging protests and demanding resignations, and the PUCSC president Anurag Dalal’s camp, which ceased protests following the university’s announcement of compensation for Thakur’s family and a magisterial inquiry ordered by the Deputy Commissioner. The online battle between these groups has intensified, adding fuel to the fire.
Student accounts paint a picture of escalating tensions and intimidation. One student who witnessed a violent altercation outside Boys Hostel No. 4 on April 8 described the pressure on evening studies students to refrain from online criticism of a specific camp. Divyansh Thakur, a research scholar, voiced similar concerns during a meeting with police alongside Aditya Thakur’s family. He highlighted the use of AI-generated images by anonymous accounts to mock teachers, former student leaders, and anyone perceived as opposition.
The online conflict has spiraled into a full-blown social media war, with anonymous pages targeting students with accusations of betrayal, often accompanied by manipulated images. The altercation outside Boys Hostel No. 4 on April 8 triggered a wave of mocking videos targeting injured students and student leaders. Students distributing pamphlets critical of the JAC have been labeled as "traitors," while the opposing camps are branded as "soldiers" or "informers." This digital divide continues to widen, deepening the chasm between the factions and further inflaming an already volatile situation.
Panjab University faces a complex challenge in addressing the surge of misinformation. The anonymity of the accounts makes identification and accountability difficult. The university’s efforts to establish a social media framework are crucial for managing future online discourse and preventing the spread of harmful content. Balancing freedom of expression with the need to protect the university community from online harassment and misinformation will be a delicate act for the administration. The ongoing investigation into Aditya Thakur’s death and the subsequent magisterial inquiry will also play a significant role in determining the underlying causes of the current tensions and hopefully pave the way for healing and reconciliation within the campus community.