Lovely Professional University calls rape-suicide rumours 'false and baseless'

After a massive protest erupted at Lovely Professional University in Phagwara over allegations of rape 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.'

A senior superintendent of police (SSP), Kapurthala, Gaurav Toora said police have no information about any such crime.

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. The students also blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara national highway.

Police said that they received information that students gathered at the LPU campus at 1:45 am and blocked a road.

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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.

LPU students protest over ‘unverified claims’

Asked about the unverified claim of an alleged rape with a female student that was circulating on social media, police told reporters, "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 SSP said.

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