A late-night protest at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab's Phagwara turned violent after unverified social media claims about a female student's alleged rape spread across the campus. Around 2,000 students gathered near the girls' hostel, later blocking the national highway and vandalising university property.
The police have now initiated the registration of an FIR based on a statement submitted by the protesting students. Naveen Singla, DIG Jalandhar Range, said the complaint currently mentions that a girl residing in the G3 hostel was allegedly raped three days ago, with the accused yet to be identified.
What Triggered The LPU Protest?
The unrest began after messages about an alleged incident involving a female student circulated on social media and spread among students. Some social media posts also alleged the involvement of a university worker.
According to DIG Naveen Singla, a large number of LPU students blocked the National Highway around 2 am on Saturday, demanding action over the alleged incident.
"Early this morning at 2 AM, a large number of LPU students blocked the National Highway here. Their primary demand was that three days ago a girl from the G3 hostel was raped, and no action had been taken regarding this until now. We have received their statement. We have initiated the registration of an FIR, and they will receive a copy shortly," Singla said.
The protest began near the girls' hostel but later spread to the highway outside the university. Students blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara national highway, disrupting traffic before police intervened and cleared the road.
Students Vandalise Campus, Set Objects On Fire
The situation escalated as protesters allegedly smashed window panes, threw bricks and flower pots and damaged other university property. Videos circulating on social media showed objects being set on fire inside the campus.
Police said the protest also resulted in extensive damage to university property.
FIR Registered Over Alleged Rape Claim
Police are now proceeding with an FIR based on the students' complaint. Singla said the complaint currently states only that a girl residing in the G3 hostel was raped, with the FIR being registered against an unknown person at this stage.
"The complaint currently states only that a girl residing in the G3 hostel was raped, so the FIR is being registered against an unknown person for now, though the G3 hostel is mentioned in the details. The girl is a resident of the G3 hostel, but her name is not yet clear; that is part of the investigation," Singla said.
He said the investigation would examine CCTV footage, forensic evidence and phone data, with a special investigation team to be formed.
"Technically, the investigation will involve forensic analysis, CCTV footage review, and phone data analysis. Furthermore, the investigation will be conducted in consultation with student representatives," Singla said.
Police To Probe Claim Scientifically
Singla assured students that the allegations would be investigated through a detailed evidence-based probe.
"I want to assure you that the investigation will be conducted scientifically; we will form a special investigation team to carry out the probe and apprehend the culprit quickly," he said.
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Students Raise Other Demands
Apart from the alleged rape case, protesting students also raised several demands concerning the university's boys' and girls' hostels.
"They have other demands as well, and a meeting regarding these has been scheduled for 12:00 PM with the LPU management. There are specific demands concerning both the boys' and girls' hostels. We have spoken to the student leaders, and the meeting will take place at 12:00 PM," Singla said.
Police later cleared the highway and deployed additional personnel at the university. The road has since been reopened, while discussions between student representatives and the university administration are continuing.
The LPU unrest came a day after a separate protest at Chitkara University in Patiala over other unverified social media claims involving female students.