LPU Protest: Students Block Highway After R@pe Allegation, University Calls Claims False

A protest at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, turned tense on Sunday after claims of an alleged rape of a female student circulated among students and on social media.

The protests began around the university campus and later escalated, with students damaging property, setting some objects on fire and blocking the Jalandhar-Phagwara National Highway. Police forces were deployed in large numbers as authorities worked to bring the situation under control.

What Triggered the LPU Protest?

According to claims made by protesting students, a female student staying in a university hostel was allegedly sexually assaulted several days ago. Some students alleged that the incident involved an outsider or worker and questioned whether appropriate action had been taken after the alleged incident.

The claims spread rapidly across the campus and social media, triggering protests during the early hours of Sunday.

However, the allegation has not been established as fact. Police initially said they had not found evidence substantiating the claim, while an investigation was launched following information and a statement from a female student.

LPU Denies the Allegations

LPU Registrar Monica Gulati said the claims circulating on social media were false, baseless and fabricated.

The university said misleading information was being circulated and urged students, parents and the public not to believe or share unverified reports.

The university also advised students and parents to rely on information communicated through its official channels.

Police Register FIR, Form SIT

Police have registered an FIR against unidentified persons following the allegations.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been formed to investigate the matter. Officials said investigators will examine available evidence, including CCTV footage, forensic material and phone records, to establish what actually happened.

Police officials have said that, at the stage of the investigation, there was no substantiating evidence to confirm the alleged incident.

The FIR and investigation do not establish that the alleged rape occurred; they are part of the process of determining the facts.

Protesters Damage Property, Highway Blocked

The protest became increasingly intense after large numbers of students gathered on the campus.

Videos circulating from the scene showed damaged window panes and flower pots, while some objects and parts of buildings were reportedly set on fire. University property was also damaged during the unrest.

Students subsequently moved towards the Jalandhar-Phagwara National Highway and blocked traffic, leading to significant disruption on the road.

Police were deployed from Kapurthala, Jalandhar Rural and neighbouring areas. Traffic was diverted while authorities attempted to clear the highway and restore normal movement.

Students Raise Hostel Safety Concerns

Apart from demanding an investigation into the allegation, protesting students have also raised concerns about safety and hostel administration.

Among the demands reported during the protest was a request for female staff to be deployed in women’s hostels.

Police and university officials have been engaging with student representatives as the situation is brought under control.

Students Seen Climbing Displayed Military Equipment

Amid the dramatic scenes on campus, videos showed students climbing onto military equipment displayed at the university, including an Indian Air Force MiG-23 aircraft and a military tank.

The scenes emerged as the protests continued across the campus.

Investigation Underway

The situation at LPU remains subject to investigation. Police are examining the allegations and the circumstances surrounding them, while the university continues to maintain that the claims being circulated are false.

For now, the alleged sexual assault has not been independently established, and the investigation will determine whether the reported incident occurred and what action, if any, should follow.

Authorities are also examining the events surrounding the protest, including damage to university property and the highway blockade.

What We Know So Far

• Students protested at LPU in Phagwara over an alleged sexual assault involving a female student.
• The allegations circulated widely on social media.
• LPU has denied the claims and described the circulating information as false and baseless.
• Police have registered an FIR against unidentified persons.
• A Special Investigation Team has been formed.
• Investigators are examining CCTV footage, forensic evidence and phone records.
• Campus property was damaged during the protests.
• The Jalandhar-Phagwara National Highway was blocked during the unrest.
• The alleged rape has not yet been established by the investigation.