Full Breakdown
LPU Campus Unrest Escalates Over Unverified Rape Claim
By Drooid · · How we work
Violent Protest and Highway Blockade
In the early hours of September 27, 2026, students at Lovely Professional University (LPU) gathered near the girls’ hostel and moved onto the campus. Video showed the crowd smashing windows, throwing bricks and flower pots, and setting parts of buildings on fire. Around 1:45 a.m. the protest spread to the Jalandhar-Phagwara National Highway, halting traffic for several hours before police cleared the road. Police estimate roughly 2,000 participants.
Background & Context
The unrest was triggered by unverified social-media posts alleging that a female student from the G3 hostel had been raped three days earlier. The same posts linked the claim to a suicide video later identified as dating from August 11, 2026. Similar rumors had sparked protests at Chitkara University in Patiala on September 26, 2026.
Data & Statistics
- Approx. 2,000 students involved.
- Police received the first alert at 1:45 a.m. (Sept 27).
- Highway blockage began around 2 a.m. and was lifted after a heavy police deployment.
- A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to examine the allegations.
Official Statements & Responses
Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Toora said the police had received no prior complaint and that the gathering was a response to rumors. He added that the police were speaking with students about broader grievances and that the situation was “under control.”
University registrar Dr. Monica Gulati rejected the allegations as “false, baseless and fabricated,” calling the rumors a deliberate attempt by “anti-social elements” to create confusion.
DIG Naveen Singla of the Jalandhar Range said a preliminary investigation had recorded a student’s statement and that an FIR was being registered against an unknown person. He outlined that the probe would involve forensic analysis, CCTV review and phone-data examination, with student representatives participating.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Police vs. DIG on complaint status: SSP Toora asserted no complaint had been filed, while DIG Singla confirmed a statement had been recorded and an FIR was being processed.
- Identity of alleged victim: The student’s name remains undisclosed, and the university has not confirmed any specific individual.
- Link to suicide video: Police identified the circulating video as dating from August 11, 2026, but found no connection to the rape allegation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When we reached here, we came to know that there were rumours. Because of the rumours, students gathered here” — Gaurav Toora
- “We have recorded the statement and the process of registering a FIR under required sections. The matter will be thoroughly investigated as all the digital and technical evidences will be taken into record,” — DIG Singla
- “An assessment of the property damage is being done and necessary legal action will be taken,” — Gaurav Toora
What’s Next
A meeting between student leaders and LPU management is scheduled for noon on September 27, 2026, to address demands for improved hostel security and female staff presence in girls’ hostels. The FIR copy will be provided to the students, and the SIT will continue forensic examinations. Police have indicated legal action will be taken against those responsible for property damage.