Violent Protests Erupt at LPU After Unverified Rape Allegations Circulate Online

The unrest at Lovely Professional University began after unverified allegations of a gang rape surfaced on social media in late September 2026. The claims quickly spread among students, fueling anger and fear on campus.

Local police stated they had no initial information about any such crime, but the rumors persisted and gathered momentum. As word circulated, students demanded answers and action, setting the stage for confrontation.

On September 27, 2026, hundreds of students at LPU in Phagwara, Punjab, took to the streets, protesting the alleged rape. According to reports, the demonstrations escalated rapidly, with students vandalizing university property and blocking the busy Phagwara-Jalandhar highway.

Some protesters climbed atop a MiG-23 fighter jet and a military tank displayed on campus, creating dramatic scenes that drew widespread attention. The situation soon turned violent. Protesters set several vehicles on fire and hurled stones, prompting police to deploy over 2,000 officers and use batons to disperse crowds.

Police registered a First Information Report against unknown persons based on the students' complaint and set up a Special Investigation Team to look into the alleged incident. Meanwhile, videos released by the university featured students denying the rape had occurred, but later, some claimed those statements were coerced and scripted.

The university administration responded by suspending classes for ten days and postponing mid-term exams, hoping to calm tensions and restore order.

As of September 28, the campus remains tense. Classes are suspended and exams postponed, with a heavy police presence still in place. There is still no official confirmation of any crime, and the investigation continues.

Conflicting accounts persist, with some students insisting no rape occurred and others alleging pressure to deny the incident. The situation remains volatile, with both students and authorities facing criticism over their handling of the crisis.

The main questions now are whether police will uncover evidence confirming or disproving the alleged crime, and if trust can be restored between students and university officials. The outcome of the Special Investigation Team's probe will likely shape the next phase of this story.