LPU protest: University students hold protests, block highway over unverified rape claim

Students of a private university in Phagwara staged a massive protest and vandalised property on the campus early Sunday following unverified social media reports about the alleged rape of a female student.

Kapurthala Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Toora said police had no information about any such crime and that the protest was triggered by rumours.

Videos circulating on social media showed students of Lovely Professional University (LPU) damaging window panes and flower pots, with some objects also set on fire. The students also blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara national highway.


Toora said police were informed around 1:45 am that students had gathered at the LPU campus and blocked a road.

Asked about the unverified allegation of rape, Toora said, "When we reached here, we came to know that there were rumours. Because of the rumours, students gathered here".

"We spoke to students who had some issues with the LPU administration. We heard them and are trying to get them resolved. The situation is completely under control," the SSP said.

He said an assessment of the damage to university property was underway and that necessary legal action would be taken.

Toora also said students had raised concerns that their issues were not being properly addressed by the university administration.

A heavy police deployment has been made at the university, with authorities saying the situation is now under control.

The incident came a day after students of Chitkara University in Patiala staged a protest over unverified claims that two female students had allegedly died by suicide on the campus. Students had also damaged a police vehicle during that protest. Authorities had denied the claims.

(With PTI inputs)