Mahi Shrivastava, Bhopal: Protests erupted at Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab, after an unverified social media message alleged that a female student had been raped by an outsider on the university campus. The demonstrations began in the early hours of Sunday, with a large number of students gathering near the campus and demanding clarity from the university administration.
Students Block National Highway
The protests later intensified, with students allegedly damaging university property and vandalising parts of the campus, including areas near the main gate. Reports also said that a vehicle was set on fire during the unrest.
The protesting students subsequently blocked the Jalandhar–Phagwara stretch of National Highway 44, bringing traffic on the important route to a standstill. The blockade caused significant congestion and disrupted movement between Jalandhar and Ludhiana. Police forces were deployed around the university to restore order and reopen the highway.
Police Form Investigation Team
Kapurthala Superintendent of Police Gaurav Toora said that the rape allegation had not been confirmed and that police had not found evidence supporting the claim at that stage. Authorities are investigating both the alleged incident and the social media message that triggered the protests.
Police later registered a case against an unidentified person based on statements received from students. A Special Investigation Team has also been formed to examine the matter, with student representatives expected to assist the inquiry.
University Rejects Allegations
Lovely Professional University denied the claims circulating online and described them as false, baseless and fabricated. The administration appealed to students and the public not to spread unverified information, while assuring students that security arrangements were in place.
The situation remains under investigation. Officials have urged people to avoid sharing unverified messages, particularly in a case involving a serious allegation against an unidentified person. No conclusion can be drawn about the alleged assault until the police inquiry establishes the facts