Violence Erupts at Punjab's LPU As Students Protest Over Alleged Rape Case, Police File FIR

Students of Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab’s Phagwara staged a protest early Sunday over the alleged rape of a female student by an outsider on the university campus. The protest turned violent, with students damaging campus property, setting some objects on fire and blocking the Jalandhar-Phagwara National Highway. Police registered an FIR on rape charges against an unknown suspect based on students’ statements. DIG Jalandhar Range Naveen Singla said police were verifying the facts and announced an SIT to investigate the matter. LPU, however, said there was “no truth in the rumours presently being circulated” and urged people not to amplify them. The blockade caused major traffic disruption, while students also raised demands over hostel functioning and security.