LPU students protest, block highway, set objects on fire over unverified rape report

(Image Credit: X) Videos circulating on social media showed students damaging window panes, flower pots and even putting some objects on fire.

CHANDIGARH: Students at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab’s Phagwara damaged property and blocked a national highway early Sunday after unverified reports on social media claimed that a female student had allegedly been raped.According to news agency PTI, police said they had no information of any such crime.Police learnt about the alleged incident only after reaching the campus and found that the claims were rumours, according to senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kapurthala, Gaurav Toora."When we reached here, we came to know that there were rumours. Because of the rumours, students gathered here," Toora told reporters.

Videos circulating on social media showed students damaging window panes and flower pots on the university campus.

Some objects were also seen being set on fire. Students blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara national highway during the protest.Toora said police received information that students had gathered at the LPU campus around 1.45am and blocked a road.The SSP said police spoke to students who raised issues with the university administration."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," he said.Toora said an assessment of the damage to university property was under way and that necessary legal action would be taken.Asked about the students' grievances, the SSP said they had told police that their issues were not being addressed properly. A heavy police force has been deployed at the university.According to police officals, the situation is now 'under control.'

Chitkara University protest

The incident came a day after students at Chitkara University in Patiala held a protest following unverified claims on social media that two female students had allegedly died by suicide on the campus.Students had also damaged a police vehicle during that protest.(With inputs from PTI)