LPU calls rape-suicide allegations 'false and baseless'

After a massive protest erupted at Lovely Professional University in Phagwara over allegations of sexual assault and the suicide of a female student in the campus hostel, the private university has clarified that rumours circulating on social media are 'false and baseless.' The police have also initiated an FIR against an unknown person, and a copy will be provided to students soon.

There are multiple videos circulating on social media showing students of Lovely Professional University (LPU) damaging window panes, flower pots and even putting some objects on fire.

Police said that they received information that students gathered at the LPU campus at 1:45 am and blocked a road. Media reports suggest that the students had blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara national highway.

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FIR against 'unknown person'

The DIG Jalandhar Range DIG Naveen Singla, said that they have initiated the registration of an FIR, and they will receive a copy shortly. Students have other demands as well, concerning both the boys' and girls' hostels.

The police further added that the investigation will involve forensic analysis, CCTV footage review, and phone data analysis, and that an investigation will be conducted in consultation with student representatives.

As per the complaint, a girl residing in the G3 hostel was raped, so the FIR is being registered against an unknown person. The girl student is a resident of the G3 hostel, but her name is not clear yet.

A special investigation team has been formed to carry out the probe and apprehend the culprit.

LPU refutes rumours

According to LPU's official statement, certain 'anti-social elements' are spreading false and fabricated rumours through social media and other channels, creating confusion among students and attempting to disturb the academic environment of the university.

"The manner in which such false and misleading information is being systematically circulated appears to be a deliberate and concerted attempt to malign the reputation of the university and tarnish its image," it said.

The university has requested students, parents and members of the public not to believe, circulate or amplify such rumours.

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LPU: Students protest over ‘unverified claims’

Asked about the unverified claim of an alleged rape of a female student that was circulating on social media, the police said: "When we reached here, we came to know that there were rumours. Because of the rumours, students gathered here".

"We spoke to students who had some issues with the LPU administration. We heard them and are trying to get them resolved. The situation is completely under control," the police official added.

An assessment of the property damage is being done, and necessary legal action will be taken, Toora said.

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Protest stemmed from a rumour, says university official

Also, while speaking to ANI, a college official, Dinesh Bali, said that the protest stemmed from a rumour circulating claiming that a student had committed suicide.

“One student posted a reel, which was shared further and further, and by morning, it had turned into an uproar. I state with full authority: no such incident occurred inside; no girl committed suicide, and no death took place,” the university official added.

Replying to a question, the police said students have stated that their issues are not redressed properly. A heavy police force has been deployed at the university, with police stating that the situation is now under control.

The incident came days after students of Chitkara University in Patiala held a protest and damaged a police vehicle over unverified claims that two female students allegedly committed suicide on the campus. With inputs from PTI