Punjab varsity students protest, block highway over alleged rape of female student

Videos circulating on social media showed students of Lovely Professional University (LPU) damaging window panes, flower pots and even putting some objects on fire. File | Photo Credit: ANI Students of a private university in Phagwara held a massive protest and went on a rampage on the campus early on Sunday (September 27, 2026) following unverified reports on social media about the alleged rape of a female student.Police said students gathered at the LPU campus around 2 a.m. and blocked the national highway following allegations that a female student from the G3 hostel had been raped three days earlier.Naveen Singla, DIG, Jalandhar Range, said police had begun the process of registering an FIR against an unknown person based on the allegations raised by the protesters. He said the probe would include forensic analysis, examination of CCTV footage and phone data, with a Special Investigation Team to be formed to investigate the allegations.Earlier, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kapurthula, Gaurav Toora, said police have no information about any such crime.Also read | Unverified claims of suicide by two students spark protests at Patiala private universityVideos circulating on social media showed students of Lovely Professional University (LPU) damaging window panes, flower pots and even putting some objects on fire. The students also blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara national highway.Mr. Toora said police received information that students gathered at the LPU campus at 1:45 a.m. and blocked a road.Asked about the unverified claim of an alleged rape with a female student that was circulating on social media, Mr. Toora told reporters, "When we reached here, we came to know that there were rumours. Because of the rumours, students gathered here"."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.“An assessment of the property damage is being done and necessary legal action will be taken,” Mr. Toora said.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 police stating that the situation is now under control.The incident came a day after students of Chitkara University in Patiala held a protest.Students had also damaged a police vehicle over unverified claims that two female students were found dead on the campus.(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416. and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050) Published - September 27, 2026 10:44 am IST