A tense situation developed at Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab, early Sunday after unverified reports on social media claimed that a female student had allegedly been raped. Police said they had received no information or complaint confirming any such crime.
According to Kapurthala Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Toora, police received information around 1:45 am that students had gathered inside the university campus and blocked a road. When police reached the spot, they found that rumours about the alleged incident had led to the protest.
Videos circulating online showed some students damaging window panes and flower pots on the campus. Some objects were also reportedly set on fire. Students later blocked the Jalandhar Phagwara national highway, causing disruption in the area. Police officials spoke with the students, who also raised several complaints about the university administration. The SSP said authorities listened to their concerns and were trying to address them. He said the situation was under control.
The university also rejected the reports and said the allegations being circulated were false and unverified. Officials appealed to students, parents and the public not to spread such information without confirmation. Police have deployed heavy security on the campus. An assessment of the damage to university property is underway, and officials said necessary legal action will be taken. The incident comes just a day after another university protest in Punjab was also linked to unverified social media claims, highlighting concerns over rumours spreading quickly online.
