PHAGWARA: Tension gripped Lovely Professional University (LPU) late Saturday after rumours about the alleged gang rape or suicide of a female student triggered a large student protest that escalated into vandalism and fires on the campus.
Around 2,000 students gathered near the girls’ hostel after unverified claims circulated on social media and across the university campus. The situation later turned violent, with protesters blocking a highway and damaging university property, including window panes, flower pots and other structures. Parts of university buildings were also set on fire.
Police said the allegations appeared to have stemmed from confusion surrounding the death of a woman near the university’s agriculture department several days earlier. According to Kapurthala Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Toora, the woman had died by suicide four to five days ago, but police had received no complaint linking her death to any alleged sexual assault.
The SSP said a video of the suicide had also circulated on social media and was believed to be an old video, reportedly dating to August 11. “An investigation is underway into the matter,” Toora said.
Police subsequently reached the campus, cleared the highway and restored traffic movement. The situation was brought under control as discussions continued between student representatives and the university administration.
Toora said a case had been registered against unidentified persons based on statements received by police, while a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to investigate the matter and establish the facts.
POLICE FIND NO EVIDENCE SO FAR
Police said they had not received any complaint concerning the alleged gang rape being discussed among students.
“The students claim that there was a woman who was raped. We don’t have a complaint about the girl,” Toora said, adding that the identity of the woman and any alleged perpetrator had not been established.
According to police, conflicting claims about a female student’s death and an alleged rape contributed to the unrest on campus. Investigators said they had so far found no evidence substantiating the allegations.
Some social media posts also alleged that a university worker was involved, but police have not confirmed the claim.
UNIVERSITY DENIES ALLEGATIONS
LPU strongly rejected the allegations, describing them as “false, baseless and fabricated” and alleging that misinformation was being circulated to create confusion and disturb the campus environment.
University Registrar Dr Monica Gulati said there was no truth in the rumours being circulated and urged students, parents and the public not to believe or amplify unverified information.
The university said the claims appeared to be part of an attempt to damage its reputation and advised students to rely only on information issued through official channels.
Police and university authorities continued discussions with students as efforts were made to restore normalcy on the campus and establish the facts behind the rumours and subsequent violence.
