Violent Protests Erupt at Lovely Professional University After Rumours of Student Rape and Suicide
JALANDHAR: Violent protests broke out at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara on Saturday night following rumours about the alleged rape and suicide of a female student at a hostel. Police have registered an FIR based on a complaint from protesting students and formed a special investigation team to examine the allegations.
The protests began after messages circulated claiming that a female student had died by suicide following an alleged sexual assault by a university employee inside Girls’ Hostel No. 3 on September 23. Protesters also alleged that the incident had been suppressed by university authorities.
The university has rejected the allegations as false and fabricated, saying that misinformation was being spread through social media and other channels.
Jalandhar Range Deputy Inspector General Naveen Singla said an FIR had been registered based on a statement provided by protesting students. No individual has been named in the FIR so far, and investigators are examining CCTV footage from the hostel.
Protests Turn Violent
The demonstrations temporarily subsided on Sunday morning but intensified again in the evening.
According to police and officials, protesters damaged vehicles and blocked a section of the national highway connecting Jalandhar and Phagwara. At least one vehicle was reportedly set on fire, while several others were damaged.
The highway blockade affected traffic movement towards parts of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
The protests reportedly began after messages about the alleged incident circulated on Saturday night, prompting students staying in the hostel to gather outside the building. Students living in rented accommodation outside the university campus also joined the demonstration.
As the crowd grew, some protesters allegedly damaged administrative buildings and the campus mall. Reports also indicated that laptops and other electronic devices were taken from the premises, while motorcycles were set on fire.
During the early hours of Sunday, hundreds of protesters blocked the highway. Some climbed onto a MiG-23 aircraft and a tank displayed on the university campus.
Police eventually persuaded the students to temporarily lift the blockade in the morning, but the road was blocked again later in the day.
Police Investigate Separate Suicide Claim
During discussions with police officials, some students referred to the alleged suicide of a female student from Telangana approximately two weeks earlier.
DIG Naveen Singla said the student’s parents had visited the university and that her mobile phone had been sent for forensic examination. He said further action would depend on the findings of the forensic laboratory.
When protesters refused to clear the highway later in the evening, police used a lathicharge to disperse the crowd. Some protesters responded by allegedly throwing stones.
Police officers and several students were injured during the confrontation. The vehicle of DIG Singla was damaged, along with other vehicles, including one belonging to a journalist. At least one vehicle was reportedly set on fire.
Police also said some people involved in the violence had covered their faces.
Several students alleged that outsiders were responsible for incidents of vandalism, looting and arson. Videos circulating from the protest appeared to show masked individuals among the crowd.
Special DGP (Law and Order) Parveen Sinha said police officers had repeatedly attempted to convince students to end the blockade and had explained the ongoing investigation to them.
He said force was used in a restrained manner to clear the highway.
Police Deny Link With Chitkara University Protests
The unrest at LPU came a day after protests at Chitkara University, where demonstrations had also reportedly followed rumours involving the alleged rape of a student.
Kapurthala SSP Gaurav Toora noted similarities in the circumstances surrounding the two incidents, particularly the circulation of unverified claims. However, Special DGP Parveen Sinha said investigators had so far found no evidence linking the protests at the two universities.
University Denies Allegations
On Sunday afternoon, LPU released a video statement featuring three students who said they lived in the hostel room identified by protesters. The students said no such incident had taken place in their room and complained about repeated questioning by police.
The university also issued a statement rejecting the allegations and said false information was being circulated through social media and other channels.
LPU Registrar Monica Gulati said the university believed the rumours were creating confusion among students and disrupting the academic environment. She urged students, parents and members of the public not to circulate unverified information and to rely on official communications.
Vice-Chancellor Jaspal Singh Sandhu said the university was willing to cooperate fully with the investigation and provide investigators with the necessary assistance.
“There is nothing to hide and such matters can’t be concealed,” Sandhu said.
Classes Suspended, Exams Postponed
Amid the unrest, Lovely Professional University announced on Sunday night that regular classes would be suspended for 10 days.
The university also postponed its mid-term examinations until further notice and advised students to return to their hometowns during the period.
Students who remain on campus were advised to stay inside their hostels and avoid unnecessary movement.
The investigation into the allegations and the violence on campus remains underway.
