Students at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab’s Phagwara staged a major protest early Sunday after unverified claims about the alleged rape of a female student circulated on social media.
The protest turned violent, with students damaging university property, setting some objects on fire and blocking the Jalandhar-Phagwara National Highway. Police intervened and later said the situation was under control.
The alleged rape has not been independently confirmed. Police are investigating the claims, while LPU has described the reports circulating on social media as false and misleading.
LPU Students Protest After Rape Claims Circulate
The LPU student protest reportedly began around 2 am after messages and claims about an alleged incident involving a female student spread among students and on social media.
According to police, students said a female student staying in a hostel had allegedly been raped several days earlier and had subsequently returned home. Different versions of the incident circulated, including claims involving a construction worker. These claims have not been independently verified.
The protest initially involved students raising slogans and demanding action. It later escalated, with reports of damaged window panes, flower pots and other campus property. Some objects were also set on fire.
Police Register Case While Investigating Allegations
DIG Jalandhar Range Naveen Singla said police registered a rape case based on a statement provided by students and that the facts were being verified. Police said the alleged victim and accused had not been officially identified.
At the same time, Kapurthala SSP Gaurav Toora said police initially had no information or complaint confirming that a rape had taken place. He said police reached the campus after learning that students had gathered and blocked the highway.
Police have said the investigation will involve verification of the available evidence. Reports also indicate that authorities are examining social media claims and other information connected with the incident.
Highway Blocked as LPU Campus Situation Turns Tense
The protest spread beyond the university campus when students blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara National Highway, causing significant traffic disruption. Police were deployed and subsequently cleared the highway.
LPU asked students to remain calm and said the claims circulating on social media were false and misleading. The university also urged students not to participate in disruptive activities.
Police said the situation was under control and that an assessment of the property damage was underway. Legal action is expected in connection with the reported vandalism, while the allegations that triggered the protest remain subject to investigation.