LPU students protest over unverified rape claim, block Jalandhar-Phagwara highway

Students of a private university in Phagwara staged a large protest and went on a rampage on the campus in the early hours of Sunday, following unverified social media reports about the alleged rape of a female student.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Kapurthala, Gaurav Toora said the police have no information about any such crime. He said the police were informed that students gathered at the Lovely Professional University campus at 1:45 a.m. and blocked a road.

Videos circulating on social media showed students damaging window panes and flower pots, and setting some objects on fire. The students also blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara national highway.

Asked about the unverified claim of an alleged rape that was circulating online, Mr. Toora told reporters that when the police reached the spot, they learnt that there were rumours, and that students had gathered because of them.

"We spoke to students who had some issues with the LPU administration. We heard them and are trying to get them resolved. The situation is completely under control," the SSP said.

He added that an assessment of the property damage is being done and necessary legal action will be taken. Replying to a question, the SSP said students have stated that their issues are not redressed properly.

A heavy police force has been deployed at the university, with the police stating that the situation is now under control.

The incident came a day after students of Chitkara University in Patiala held a protest. Those students had also damaged a police vehicle over unverified claims that two female students were found dead on the campus.

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