A major protest erupted at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, after unverified claims circulated that a female student had allegedly been raped on campus and later died by suicide. Students vandalised parts of the campus, set some objects on fire and blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara National Highway.
Students Take to Streets
The protest reportedly began near the girls' hostel late Saturday night and intensified as students from different hostels joined in. Videos circulating online showed students damaging window panes and other campus property, while some objects were reportedly set on fire.
Rape and Suicide Claims Remain Unverified
Students alleged that a female student had been sexually assaulted by an outside worker and was subsequently sent home. Another claim circulating among students suggested that she later died by suicide.
However, police said they had not received details that could independently establish the alleged incident, and the identity of the alleged victim or accused had not been confirmed at the time of reporting.
University Calls Claims ‘False and Baseless’
LPU has strongly rejected the allegations, calling the reports “false, baseless and fabricated rumours.” The university said misleading information was being circulated through social media and urged students, parents and the public to rely only on official communications.
Highway Blocked Amid Protest
The unrest spilled outside the university, with students blocking the Jalandhar-Phagwara National Highway and causing major traffic disruption. Police were deployed in large numbers and later managed to persuade students to lift the blockade, although the highway was reportedly blocked again.
Police Begin Investigation
Police have recorded statements from protesting students and are investigating the allegations and the events that triggered the unrest. Authorities are also examining the reports of vandalism and arson on campus. At present, the rape and suicide claims remain unverified, while the university continues to deny them.