Earlier this Sunday morning, students at Lovely Professional University (LPU) began protesting and damaging the property and also blocking Jalandhar-Phagwara national highway.
Why students of Lovely Professional University are protesting
The students of Lovely Professional university are protesting because of some unverified claims circulating on social media about rape of one student. However police said that there is no official confirmation about the same.
Student Protest Turns Violent At LPU
A protest by a large group of students at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab’s Phagwara turned violent after students initially raised slogans and demanded justice.
Videos from the campus showed students protesting before the situation escalated, with some allegedly damaging window panes and flower pots inside the university premises. Some objects, including parts of the university building, were also reportedly set on fire.
Students Block Jalandhar-Phagwara Highway
The protest later spilled onto the Jalandhar-Phagwara national highway, where a group of students blocked the road, leading to a major traffic jam.
Kapurthala Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Toora said police received information at around 1.45 am that students had gathered on the LPU campus and blocked a road.
Police Address Unverified Rape Claim
Addressing the unverified claim of rape that reportedly led to the gathering, Toora said, "When we reached here, we came to know that there were rumours. Because of the rumours, students gathered here".
The SSP said police also spoke to students about their grievances concerning the university administration.
"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.
Students Raise Grievances Against Administration
According to Toora, students told police that their concerns were not being addressed properly.
The police are now assessing the extent of property damage on the university campus. Toora said necessary legal action would be taken based on the findings.
Heavy Police Deployment At University
A heavy police presence has been deployed at the university following the protest. Police said the situation is currently under control, while authorities continue to monitor developments on the campus.
[With TOI inputs]
