Protests at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab escalated into violence as students vandalized campus property and set parts of the building on fire. The unrest was sparked by unverified claims that a female student had been raped and subsequently died by suicide. The demonstrations began late last night and continued into the morning hours today, reflecting heightened emotions and concern among the student body.
Videos showed a large group of students initially protesting by chanting slogans and demanding justice. It soon turned violent as some students damaged window panes and flower pots inside the campus. Some objects, including parts of the university building, were also set on fire. A group of students blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara national highway, causing a massive traffic jam. Her roommate then informed other students that the girl had died by suicide. However, when the university’s gates opened, some other people – who were not part of the college – entered and created a ruckus. “They vandalised the campus. But despite this, the authorities sent a message that everything was a rumour.
A female student was raped by a construction worker on campus, following which the college authorities sent her home, according to a protesting student. The student, in a video, said that initially the protests were peaceful. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kapurthala, Gaurav Toora, said police have no information about any rape incident.
Nothing about such a crime was reported to us,” he said. “We got to know last night that students had blocked the Jalandhar highway. We went there and controlled the situation. We got to know then that the students flagged some issues with the LPU administration and that there were rumours of a rape case. Toora added that he spoke to the LPU’s student bodies and they are investigating it. “Seems like there is a misunderstanding between the university and students. An assessment of the property damage is being done, and necessary legal action will be taken, Toora added. “The rumours circulating on social media are false and misleading and circulated by mischievous sources. You are advised not to participate in any unrest, to remain safely inside your hostel/room/residence, and to avoid involvement in any provocative or disruptive activities.
We will try to conduct a meeting between them,” he said. The Lovely Professional University, in a statement to the students, advised them to ignore the “rumours” and assured them that they are “safe and secure” on the campus. Kindly cooperate in maintaining a calm and orderly campus environment,” it said.
