Protest at Punjab’s Lovely Professional University turns violent over unverified rape claim; cops deny crime

A protest at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab's Phagwara turned violent early Sunday after unverified social media reports claimed that a female student had allegedly been raped on campus. Police, however, said they had no information confirming that any such crime had taken place.

The reports triggered a large gathering of students at the university around 1:45 am, according to Kapurthala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gaurav Toora. Students blocked a road and later the Jalandhar-Phagwara national highway, while videos circulating on social media showed damage to property on the campus.

What happened at LPU?

According to the SSP, police were informed that students had gathered at the LPU campus during the early hours of Sunday and had blocked a road.

As the situation developed, an alleged rape of a female student began circulating as a claim on social media. Toora said police found no information confirming that such a crime had occurred.

"When we reached here, we came to know that there were rumours. Because of the rumours, students gathered here," Toora told reporters.

The protest subsequently escalated, with videos showing students damaging window panes and flower pots. Some objects were also seen being set on fire.

Students also blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara national highway during the unrest.

Police say no information of alleged rape

The key point in the incident remains that police have not confirmed the alleged rape claim circulating on social media.

Toora said the police instead spoke to students who raised concerns about their issues with the university administration.

"We have spoken to the student body. Whatever the issue is, we will investigate it thoroughly. The students are saying that when they make complaints, their concerns are not being properly addressed. There are some misunderstandings, and we will ensure that they are resolved," the SSP said.

Students reportedly told police that their concerns were not being properly addressed.

A heavy police presence has since been deployed at the university, with authorities saying the situation is under control.

Damage reported on campus

Authorities are assessing the extent of damage caused during the protest. Toora said necessary legal action would be taken after the assessment.

The videos shared on social media showed damage to university property, including broken window panes and flower pots. Some objects were also seen burning during the protest.

The highway blockade added to the disruption as the student gathering spread beyond the university campus.

Chitkara University protest a day earlier

The LPU unrest came just a day after another student protest at Chitkara University in Patiala.

That protest was also linked to unverified claims circulating on social media. Students reportedly damaged a police vehicle following claims that two female students had allegedly died by suicide on the university campus.

With agency inputs