LPU campus turns tense after student protest over ‘rape-suicide’ claim; vandalism reported

Students say the protest was initially peaceful but became disorderly after people who were not students entered the campus

Jalandhar: Protests at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab turned violent after students gathered over claims that a female student was allegedly raped and later died by suicide.

The protest, which began late Friday night and continued into Saturday morning, initially remained peaceful, with students raising slogans and demanding answers from the university administration. The situation later escalated, with videos showing students damaging window panes and flower pots on campus. Parts of a university building were also reportedly set on fire.

A group of students subsequently blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara national highway, leading to significant traffic disruption.

Jalandhar Range DIG Naveen Singla said students had told police that a female hostel resident was allegedly raped around three days ago and had subsequently returned home. Based on the statement received, police have registered a rape case, he said.

However, Kapurthala SSP Gaurav Toora said police had not received any report confirming that such an incident had taken place. He said the matter appeared to involve rumours and a misunderstanding between students and the university administration.

“We got to know last night that students had blocked the Jalandhar highway,” Toora said, adding that police intervened to control the situation and were in communication with student bodies.

A protesting student alleged that the girl had been raped by a construction worker on the campus and claimed that university authorities subsequently sent her home. The student further claimed that the girl’s roommate later informed other students that she had died by suicide.

The student also alleged that the protest was initially peaceful but became disorderly after people who were not students entered the campus.

Meanwhile, LPU has denied the claims circulating on social media, describing them as “false and misleading”. In a message to students, the university urged them to remain inside their hostels or residences and avoid participating in unrest or disruptive activities.

The university said the rumours were being circulated by “mischievous sources” and assured students that they were “safe and secure” on campus.

Police said an assessment of the damage to university property was underway and that legal action would be taken as required.

The investigation into the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the protests is continuing.