Students of Lovely Professional University (LPU) protested in significant numbers after unverified claims of sexual assault on a girl contended and her death by suicide were made. The demonstration, which started late on Saturday night, escalated to violence, parts of the campus were vandalised and some things were set on fire on Sunday.
Groups of students were captured making slogans and asking for action before some of the protesters broke window panes, flower pots and other property in the campus. In other parts of buildings, it was claimed, parts were set on fire. Later, a group of students halted the Jalandhar-Phagwara National Highway resulting in traffic delays in the area.
At the time of the report, the allegations have not been independently confirmed, police officials said. Police officials at Kapurthala SSP Gaurav Toora said they had been apprised of the protest and had later found out that the students had reportedly complaints against the University administration and hoax reports of a rape. Police had not been told of an incident that would confirm he was correct, he said.
Jalandhar Range DIG Naveen Singla said that the students had informed that around three days ago, a female student had been allegedly raped and then rushed home. Police had registered a rape case on the basis of the statement they received, he said, adding that it was important to look at other details.
A protesting student said the incident was between him and a construction worker and the student was sent home. The student also mentioned the protest started peacefully and then it did not turn into a peaceful protest.
The LPU has denied the allegations and the police is investigating the allegations and circumstances of the protests. The police have also been working to restore the regular flow of traffic and security in the vicinity of the campus.