Tension gripped the campus of Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara after students staged protests and allegedly damaged property early Sunday over claims circulating on social media that a woman student had been raped by an outsider on the university premises.
The unrest also led to the blocking of a national highway by protesting students. The demonstrations were triggered by reports and allegations that spread online regarding an alleged incident involving a female student.
Responding to the situation, Lovely Professional University strongly denied the claims being circulated on social media. In an official statement issued by Registrar Monica Gulati, the university described the rumours as “false, baseless and fabricated,” stating that the misinformation was creating unnecessary confusion and affecting the peaceful atmosphere of the campus.
The university further alleged that certain anti-social elements were spreading misleading information. According to the statement, the manner in which the rumours were being circulated appeared to be a deliberate attempt to damage the institution’s reputation.
LPU categorically stated that there was no truth in the rumours currently being circulated and appealed to students, parents and the general public not to believe, share or amplify unverified information. The university also urged stakeholders to rely exclusively on updates and information issued through its official communication channels.
Meanwhile, police authorities have initiated an investigation into the matter. Jalandhar Range DIG Naveen Singla announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a detailed probe.
The SIT comprises Phagwara SP Major Singh, DSP Palwinder Singh, a woman police inspector and representatives of students. The team has been tasked with examining the allegations and related developments surrounding the case.
Police have also registered an FIR at Satnampura Police Station based on the statement of a girl student. In her complaint, the student alleged that a girl was raped in the girls’ hostel on September 23 and claimed that the incident was allegedly suppressed by the administration.
Authorities have begun investigating the allegations, while the university continues to maintain that the rumours being circulated on social media are unfounded. The SIT inquiry is expected to examine all aspects of the matter as part of the ongoing investigation.