PHAGWARA, India: Lovely Professional University in Punjab has suspended classes for 10 days and postponed midterm examinations following violent protests over allegations that a female student was raped on campus, a claim the university has denied.
The university said students could return to their hometowns during the 10-day suspension, while those remaining on campus were advised to stay in their hostels or residences and avoid unnecessary movement.
The protests escalated on Sunday, with demonstrators clashing with police and reports of vandalism on the university campus.
According to local media reports, protesters allegedly threw stones, smashed windows and set fire to vehicles, including police vehicles. Students also reportedly blocked a nearby highway.
Police said they were investigating the alleged rape, while India Today reported that the identity of the alleged victim had not been established. Social media posts had also claimed that the student had died by suicide, but those claims had not been independently established.
University Denies Allegation
University registrar Monica Gulati denied that a rape had taken place, saying there was “no truth” to the allegations.
She said the circulation of what the university described as false and misleading information appeared to be a deliberate attempt to damage its reputation.
Three female students living in the same building where the alleged incident was said to have occurred later appeared in a video alongside Gulati, supporting the university’s position that no rape had taken place.
However, NDTV later reported that another video emerged in which the same students said they had been instructed about what statements to make.
The competing accounts have added to uncertainty surrounding the allegations, while police continue to investigate.
Security Concerns
The university advised students remaining on campus to avoid involvement in any unrest-related activities, citing concerns for their safety.
The protests come amid wider concerns over violence against women in India.
The Supreme Court on Monday called for greater accountability over a recent series of rape cases in New Delhi and neighbouring districts, saying the incidents reflected what it described as a “failure of law enforcement”.
Hundreds of students also protested in Delhi the previous week after a teenager alleged that she had been raped by three men at a park.
Wider Issue
Sexual violence remains a major concern in India. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, more than 80 rapes are reported to police across the country each day.
Women’s rights activists say official figures do not capture the full scale of sexual violence because some victims do not report attacks due to social stigma, pressure or coercion.
The allegations at Lovely Professional University remain under investigation, while the university continues to deny that a rape occurred.
