LPU Protest: University Says No Evidence of Sexual Assault Claim
Administration says social media rumour triggered unrest; police probe continues into campus violence
- LPU says no evidence supports the alleged sexual assault claim.
- University links the allegation to a social media post.
- Police are probing violence and alleged vandalism.
- Classes suspended for 10 days amid the unrest.
GG News Bureau
Kapurthala, 29th Sept: A day after violent protests at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab’s Kapurthala district, the university administration said investigations by the university, civil authorities and police had found no evidence supporting the alleged sexual assault claim that circulated on social media and triggered the unrest.
LPU Dean Dr Sorabh Lakhanpal said the allegation began with a Reddit post claiming that a female student had been raped. He said authorities repeatedly sought details, including the identity of the alleged victim, the location of the incident and any written complaint, but no such information was provided.
According to Lakhanpal, the initial student gathering on campus was peaceful and focused on seeking dialogue with the university administration. The situation later escalated after masked individuals allegedly entered the campus carrying rods and damaged university property.
The dean said students had demanded an FIR, access to CCTV footage and inspection of a hostel room they believed could be connected to the allegation. The university formed a committee comprising five male and five female students and showed them CCTV footage from the relevant period, he said.
Police have detained some people in connection with the violence and are investigating their identities and alleged involvement. Lakhanpal said those identified so far had not been established as university students.
The protests later spread to National Highway-44, where traffic remained disrupted for more than 15 hours. Police intervened to clear the blockade. The dean said some students were present but maintained that they did not intend to block the highway.
Lakhanpal also said he had not observed political involvement in the unrest, amid questions about the political affiliations of LPU founder and Chancellor Ashok Kumar Mittal.
Normalcy has since returned to the campus. The university has suspended classes for 10 days and postponed mid-term examinations, while several students have returned home. Punjab Police has warned of strict action against those involved in violence and vandalism.
The investigation into the allegations and the violence remains underway.
