Full Breakdown
LPU Campus Unrest: Rumor-Driven Violence, Denials, and Ongoing Probes
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On the night of September 27 2026, students at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, gathered after a social-media post alleged that a female student had been raped by an outsider in Girls’ Hostel 3. The claim sparked a protest that escalated into vandalism, arson and a blockade of National Highway-44. Approximately 2,000 students assembled; masked individuals wielding iron rods damaged university property, looted the on-campus Uni Mall and set vehicles on fire. Classes were suspended for 10 days and mid-term examinations postponed. Police registered multiple FIRs, including one under Section 64 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for a purported rape, but no formal complaint from a victim has been recorded.
Background & Context
The rumor originated on Reddit and spread via WhatsApp, prompting students to demand accountability. A similar unverified allegation had surfaced a day earlier at Chitkara University, suggesting a pattern of “rumour-rage.” LPU, founded in 2005 with over 40,000 students (including 28,000 hostel residents), has previously faced scrutiny over campus safety.
Official Statements & Responses
- Ashok Mittal – Founder-chancellor and BJP Rajya Sabha MP – said no rape occurred, calling the rumor “100 crore percent fake” and describing the unrest as a “big conspiracy.”
- Punjab Police – DGP Gaurav Yadav and SSP Gaurav Toora confirmed no formal rape complaint had been filed and said investigations are examining both the alleged assault and the source of the Reddit post.
- Dean Sorabh Lakhanpal – Called the allegation “rumour-rage,” noted masked outsiders entered the campus, and said the university is cooperating with police, providing CCTV footage.
- Registrar Monica Gulati – Released a video of three girls from Room 504 of GH-3 stating no incident occurred in their room; the students later claimed the statements were scripted.
- High Court – Directed Punjab Police to submit a status report on whether any rape took place and, if not, to detail steps taken to remove the offending Reddit post.
Criticism & Opposition
- Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, state Congress chief, criticised the AAP-led Punjab government for failing to meet student grievances, saying, “NH-44 has been blocked since the morning, yet not a single representative from the AAP government has bothered to meet the students.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Police assert no rape complaint exists, yet an FIR under Section 64 was lodged based on student allegations.
- The university’s video of three hostel residents denying assault was later contradicted by the same students, who alleged they were instructed on what to say.
- The High Court’s request for clarification highlights the absence of verified evidence linking the Reddit post to an actual incident.
What’s Next
- The Punjab & Haryana High Court will hear a follow-up status report next week, which could lead to a CBI probe.
- A Special Investigation Team appointed by the state police continues to analyse forensic samples, CCTV footage and call records.
- LPU plans to form a disciplinary committee to determine student involvement and may seek legal action against identified perpetrators.
