Punjab: Tension at LPU after rumours trigger student protests, property damage

Mangalore Today News Network

Kapurthala, Sep 27, 2026: Tension prevailed at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab’s Kapurthala district on Saturday after unverified rumours about the alleged sexual assault of a female student triggered protests on the campus.

Hundreds of students took part in the demonstrations, with reports of vandalism, stone-pelting and damage to university property. Windows were smashed, while bricks and flower pots were thrown. Parts of a university building were also reportedly set on fire.

According to media reports, rumours of an alleged gangrape spread on social media, prompting around 2,000 female students to gather near the girls’ hostel. The protest later escalated, with students also blocking the highway and disrupting traffic.

Police personnel were deployed to the campus and brought the situation under control.

Kapurthala SSP Gaurav Toora said police had found no evidence of a gangrape or suicide and had received no complaint regarding either allegation. He said the unrest appeared to have resulted from a misunderstanding between students and the university administration.

Toora said the rumours would be investigated and added that the protest had caused extensive damage to university property. Discussions were being held between students and the administration to address the issues raised by them.

During the protest, students were also seen singing the Bhagavad Gita as tension continued on the campus.

The situation remained under watch as police and university authorities continued efforts to restore normalcy.