CHANDIGARH: Student protests at Lovely Professional University (LPU) over an alleged rape claim turned violent on Sunday, with clashes between protesters and police, a highway blockade, lathicharge and vehicles being set on fire.Police personnel were injured and vehicles were damaged during the violence, while students blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara stretch of NH-44. The university has since suspended regular classes for 10 days and postponed mid-term examinations until further notice.Here are 5 videos that capture the chaos during the LPU protests.
1. Students block national highway outside LPU
Visuals showed a large number of students blocking the national highway outside the university, bringing traffic on the Jalandhar-Phagwara stretch to a halt.
2. Students clash with police
Another video showed students clashing with police personnel during the protest as the standoff over the highway blockade escalated.
3. Police use lathicharge to disperse protesters
Police were seen using lathis to disperse protesters after students refused to lift the blockade.
4. Vehicles set on fire amid protest
Visuals from the protest showed vehicles being set on fire as violence broke out outside the university.
5. LPU students protest over alleged rape claim
A video from outside the university showed students holding a protest and raising concerns over the alleged rape of a female student on campus.
LPU suspends classes, postpones mid-term exams
LPU announced that regular classes would remain suspended for 10 days from September 28 and that mid-term examinations had been postponed until further notice.The university said students could travel to their hometowns during the 10-day period in consultation with their parents or guardians. Those staying back were advised to remain inside their hostels or places of residence and avoid unnecessary movement or involvement in unrest.
Police form SIT to probe rape allegation
The protests erupted after claims circulated on social media that a female student had been raped on the university campus. Police have registered an FIR against unknown people and formed a special investigation team to probe the allegation.Police officials have not confirmed that a student was raped on the campus. The identity of the alleged victim and accused is also yet to be established.DIG Jalandhar Range Naveen Singla said the investigation would include forensic examination, CCTV footage and phone data.
LPU denies allegations, says protests fuelled by rumours
LPU has denied the rape allegations and said the claims were “false, baseless and fabricated”.Dean Sorabh Lakhanpal said the university had allowed students to view CCTV footage and visit the room they had identified, but later formed the impression that the situation was “entirely rumour-driven”.He also alleged that anti-social elements from outside were involved in the vandalism.Vice-chancellor Jaspal Singh Sandhu said the university would provide all necessary support to the investigation and that five students had been included in the SIT.The university has appealed to students to remain calm, follow official instructions and stay connected for further updates.
