Lovely Professional University campus erupts in violence over unverified rape claims

Lovely Professional University student protests Punjab unrest campus violence highway blockade

Violent protests erupted at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, following unverified social media claims that a female student was raped on campus and subsequently died by suicide. The unrest, which began late Saturday night, escalated into widespread vandalism, including the smashing of windows, destruction of university property, and arson. Protesters also blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara section of National Highway-44 for approximately 15 to 18 hours, causing massive traffic disruptions.

LPU administration has dismissed the allegations as false and fabricated rumors spread by anti-social elements. In response to the instability, the university has suspended all regular classes for 10 days starting September 28 and postponed mid-term examinations.

Police have registered an FIR against an unidentified person based on student statements and have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the claims. While authorities have found no immediate evidence to substantiate the rape or suicide allegations, they are reviewing CCTV footage and forensic data. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has directed the Director General of Police to personally assess the situation and ensure a thorough investigation. Large numbers of police personnel have been deployed to maintain order.

Entities

Bhagwant Mann · Bhagwant Singh Mann · Chitkara University · Gaurav Toora · Gaurav Yadav · Harmandeep Singh Hans · Jalandhar · Lovely Professional University · Major Singh · Monica Gulati · Naveen Singla · Patiala

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 24 SOURCES] Students alleged a female student was raped on campus by an outsider or a construction worker. www.parrotnewspaper.com · lagatar24.com · www.ajkerpatrika.com · najarbandi.in · probashtime.net · +12 more
[● 24 SOURCES] Protesters blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara national highway, causing significant traffic disruptions. lagatar24.com · madhyamamonline.com · www.parrotnewspaper.com · www.ajkerpatrika.com · probashtime.net · +12 more
[● 4 SOURCES] Police confirmed a woman died by suicide near the campus agriculture department four to five days prior to the unrest. www.ajkerpatrika.com
[● 12 SOURCES] LPU administration dismissed the allegations as false, baseless, and fabricated rumors spread by anti-social elements. madhyamamonline.com · www.parrotnewspaper.com · www.ajkerpatrika.com · dainiknavajyoti.com · www.indiatv.in · +2 more
[● 23 SOURCES] Protesters vandalized university property, including smashing windows and throwing bricks and flower pots. www.parrotnewspaper.com · lagatar24.com · thefederal.com · hindi.webdunia.com · www.ajkerpatrika.com · +10 more
[● 21 SOURCES] Police found no evidence or formal complaints to substantiate the rape or suicide allegations. lagatar24.com · thefederal.com · www.parrotnewspaper.com · madhyamamonline.com · hindi.webdunia.com · +6 more
[● 10 SOURCES] A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the situation and the student statements. probashtime.net · www.indiatv.in · bhaskarlive.in · lagatar24.com · www.dnpindia.in · +2 more
[● 17 SOURCES] Students claimed a female student died by suicide following the alleged assault. lagatar24.com · www.parrotnewspaper.com · madhyamamonline.com · thefederal.com · www.newsx.com · +6 more
[● 7 SOURCES] Police registered an FIR against an unidentified person for rape based on student statements. probashtime.net · www.indiatv.in · bhaskarlive.in · lagatar24.com
[● 5 SOURCES] LPU suspended regular classes for 10 days starting September 28 and postponed mid-term examinations. www.pratahkal.com · desitalkchicago.com · navbharatlive.com · himachalabhiabhi.com · www.dnpindia.in
[● 3 SOURCES] A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to investigate the allegations and student statements. probashtime.net · www.indiatv.in