What Sparked the Outrage at Lovely Professional University? A Closer Look at the Recent Protests

Protests Erupt at LPU Over Alleged Assault

In Phagwara, Punjab, students from Lovely Professional University (LPU) engaged in violent protests early Sunday, causing significant damage to university property and obstructing a national highway. This unrest was triggered by allegations that a female student was raped by an outsider on campus.

Authorities confirmed that a rape complaint has been filed against an unidentified individual, prompting the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the allegations. However, LPU officials have dismissed these claims as mere rumors.

This incident followed a recent protest at Chitkara University in Patiala, where students reportedly set a police vehicle ablaze amid unverified reports of two female students' suicides on campus. At LPU, the situation escalated dramatically, with one student climbing onto a decommissioned MiG-23UM aircraft and others mounting a military tank.

Social media platforms were flooded with videos showing students vandalizing property, including breaking windows and setting objects on fire, while chanting demands for justice.

The protests began around 1 AM near a girls' hostel after claims surfaced that a plumber had assaulted a female student three days prior. Students alleged that the hostel warden was notified of the incident but failed to take appropriate action.

In response, police have registered a case against an unknown suspect and initiated an investigation. Meanwhile, LPU's management issued a statement refuting the allegations, with Registrar Monica Gulati asserting that the claims were fabricated by anti-social elements. Additionally, a video featuring three female students from Room No. 504 in Girls' Hostel-3 was released, asserting that no such incident occurred during their two-month stay.