Alleged rape sparks campus protests at Lovely Professional University. The 2005‑founded private university in Punjab shut down classes for ten days after a student‑reported rape story spread across WhatsApp groups.
Police say a case has been registered under India's rape law against an unidentified person, while official investigations into CCTV footage and the alleged victim remain inconclusive. No student has come forward to confirm an assault, and the university has categorically denied the claims.
Protests erupted early on Sunday, September 27, when students gathered outside the campus and blocked National Highway 44, the main artery between Delhi and Punjab. The situation grew chaotic, with vehicles set on fire, police vehicles damaged and staff injured. Video footage shows police attempting to organise crowds, though officials denied using batons.
The campus, home to thousands of domestic and international students, saw many hostels emptied within hours. Security concerns over unidentified outsiders on campus fueled fear and uncertainty. An LPU representative said the university’s response was “hurtful” and that students had turned to rumor because official channels were perceived to be unresponsive.
Student protests were driven by demands for a formal FIR, verification of the alleged rape, and clear security measures. LPU released a video in which three women denied the incident, but later footage raised questions about editing and the university’s communication strategy.
Policymakers are now trying to answer two key questions: whether credible evidence of the alleged rape exists, and who was responsible for the violence that followed. The Punjab State Women’s Commission has called for details of the investigation and protective measures for students.
Classes will resume only after the investigation concludes and confidence in campus safety is restored. Meanwhile, students who remain on campus have been advised to stay inside and avoid further unrest until the situation subsides.
