Jalandhar (Gurpreet Singh): Lovely Professional University (LPU) has rejected a social media claim alleging that a female student was raped by an outsider, calling the information circulating online false and fabricated.
The university issued the clarification after a late-night protest on the campus, where a large number of students gathered following the circulation of the allegation. According to the university, the messages spreading across social media created confusion and disrupted the normal academic atmosphere.
LPU alleged that the information was being circulated by individuals it described as “anti-social elements” and said the campaign appeared aimed at damaging the university’s reputation. The institution appealed to students, parents and the public to verify information through its official communication channels before sharing it further.
The situation escalated during the protest, with reports of damage to parts of the campus and the university gate. A vehicle was also reportedly set ablaze amid the unrest.
Students Block Major Roads
The demonstration later spilled onto nearby roads, with protesters blocking the Jalandhar-Phagwara Highway as well as the Ludhiana-Jalandhar route. The roadblocks caused significant traffic disruption in the area.
Kapurthala SSP Gaurav Toora reached the location along with police personnel. He said police had not received any prior complaint regarding the alleged rape and that officials became aware of the claim only after the rumours began circulating and students gathered.
Police subsequently engaged with student representatives to understand their concerns. According to the SSP, some students also complained that their grievances were not being addressed adequately when they approached authorities.
Police Examine Viral Claim
Officials are now examining the origin and authenticity of the social media message that triggered the protest. The rape allegation itself has not been established, and authorities have said the circumstances surrounding the claim will be investigated.
Police remained deployed around the university as officials worked to calm the situation and address student concerns. Efforts were also made to clear the affected highways and restore traffic movement.
The university, meanwhile, maintained that the information circulating online was untrue and urged people not to amplify unverified claims.
