In brief
At Lovely Professional University in Punjab a rumored rape of a female student set off student protests that escalated into widespread vandalism. The campus was forced to suspend teaching for ten days as angry demonstrators destroyed property and blocked a major highway. Police registered a case against an unnamed suspect and formed a special investigation team, yet no verifiable evidence of the alleged assault has surfaced. The university remains heavily policed while authorities seek clarity on both the original claim and the subsequent violence.
Alleged rape triggers campus unrest
At Lovely Professional University (LPU), one of India’s largest private institutions, a rumor that a female student was raped in or near a hostel sparked student unrest. Although police have not verified the claim and no victim has come forward, the story spread rapidly through WhatsApp groups.
Protests turn violent
Students marched to the university gates, vandalising cars and setting fire to objects. The demonstration spilled onto National Highway 44, blocking traffic for more than 15 hours. In some cases, police vehicles were damaged and officers suffered injuries, while the campus itself endured significant property damage.
School operations halted
In response to the unrest, LPU suspended classes for ten days and postponed key examinations. The university also asked students to leave hostels and return home, resulting in many dormitories emptied within hours. Major campus security was increased as authorities monitored for further incidents.
Police investigation underway
Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under India’s rape law against an unidentified individual and set up a seven‑member special investigation team (SIT) to review CCTV footage and other evidence. Investigators have so far found no footage showing an outsider entering a hostel room, and no assault can yet be verified.
University and authorities respond
LPU’s administration denied the allegation, labeling it false and baseless, but the statement did little to calm discontented students. The Punjab State Women’s Commission has requested the FIR and details of the investigation to assess safety measures for students.
Current situation
The campus remains heavily policed, with authorities balancing the need for security against the academic disruptions caused by the incident. A key question remains: will the investigation uncover evidence of the alleged rape, and who was responsible for the violence that followed? Further updates will be reported as the case develops.
