Punjab: LPU Students Vandalise Campus, Block Highway Over ‘Rape’ Allegation

LPU Protest Turns Violent Over Unverified Rape Claim

A late-night protest at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, turned violent after unverified social media claims about the alleged rape of a female student spread across the campus.

Around 2,000 students reportedly gathered near the girls’ hostel before the protest escalated, with students blocking the Jalandhar-Phagwara national highway and allegedly damaging university property.

Police have initiated the process of registering an FIR based on a complaint submitted by the protesting students. Naveen Singla, DIG, Jalandhar Range, said the complaint alleges that a student living in the G3 hostel was raped three days earlier. The alleged accused has not yet been identified.

How the LPU Protest Started

The unrest began after messages concerning an alleged incident involving a female student circulated widely on social media and among students. Some posts also alleged the involvement of a university employee, though these claims have not been independently verified.

According to Singla, a large number of students gathered and blocked the national highway around 2 am on Saturday, demanding action over the alleged incident.

“Early this morning at 2 AM, a large number of LPU students blocked the National Highway here. Their primary demand was that three days ago a girl from the G3 hostel was raped, and no action had been taken regarding this until now. We have received their statement. We have initiated the registration of an FIR, and they will receive a copy shortly,” Singla said.

The demonstration initially took place near the girls’ hostel but later spread beyond the university premises. The highway blockade disrupted traffic until police intervened and cleared the road.

Students Allegedly Vandalise University Property

The situation worsened as protesters allegedly smashed window panes, threw bricks and flower pots and damaged other property on the campus.

Videos circulating on social media appeared to show objects being set on fire inside the university premises. Police said the protest caused extensive damage to university property.

FIR Being Registered Against Unknown Person

Police are proceeding with an FIR based on the students’ complaint. Singla said the complaint currently identifies neither the alleged victim by name nor the accused.

“The complaint currently states only that a girl residing in the G3 hostel was raped, so the FIR is being registered against an unknown person for now, though the G3 hostel is mentioned in the details. The girl is a resident of the G3 hostel, but her name is not yet clear; that is part of the investigation,” he said.

The police investigation is expected to include a review of CCTV footage, forensic examination and analysis of phone data. Singla said a special investigation team would be constituted and that student representatives would also be consulted during the probe.

Police Promise Evidence-Based Investigation

Singla assured students that the allegation would be investigated using forensic and other available evidence.

“I want to assure you that the investigation will be conducted scientifically; we will form a special investigation team to carry out the probe and apprehend the culprit quickly,” he said.

At this stage, the alleged sexual assault remains a matter under investigation, and the claims circulating on social media have not been independently established.

Students Also Raise Hostel-Related Demands

The protest was not limited to the alleged rape claim. Students also raised several demands concerning facilities and issues at the university’s boys’ and girls’ hostels.

“They have other demands as well, and a meeting regarding these has been scheduled for 12:00 PM with the LPU management. There are specific demands concerning both the boys’ and girls’ hostels. We have spoken to the student leaders, and the meeting will take place at 12:00 PM,” Singla said.

Police subsequently cleared the highway and deployed additional personnel around the university. The road was reopened, while talks between student representatives and the university administration continued.

The LPU protest came a day after a separate protest at Chitkara University in Patiala following other unverified social media claims involving female students.