Students at Lovely Professional University in Punjab blocked highways and vandalized campus property on September 27, 2026, after unverified social media claims of a rape by an outsider sparked protests, though police confirmed no such crime occurred and the university denied the allegations as false.
Students at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, staged a late-night protest on September 27, 2026, after viral social media claims alleged an outsider had raped a female student. The unrest led to campus vandalism, highway blockages, and a police presence, though authorities later confirmed no evidence of the alleged crime and the university called the rumors false and fabricated.
University Denies Rape Claims, Calls Rumors ‘Deliberate’
The university issued a statement condemning the false and fabricated news and rumours
circulating online, calling the spread of the claim a deliberate and concerted attempt
to malign its reputation and tarnish its image.
In a statement, LPU reiterated that there is no truth in the rumours presently being circulated
and urged students and the public to rely only on official communications. The university also accused anti-social elements
of exploiting the situation to disturb the peaceful academic environment.
The campus protest began around 2 a.m., with students gathering after a social media post alleging the rape went viral. Videos shared on platforms like X showed students damaging window panes, flower pots, and setting objects on fire. A vehicle was also reportedly set ablaze, and parts of the university campus were allegedly vandalized. The unrest escalated to the point where students blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara and Ludhiana-Jalandhar highways, causing major traffic congestion.
Police Investigate Social Media Post, Dismiss Rape Allegations
Kapurthala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gaurav Toora told reporters that police had no prior information about the alleged rape before the protests began. We came to know that rumours were circulating here, and a large number of students gathered because of these rumours,
he said, adding that the police had not received any official report of the crime. Toora noted that students raised concerns about unresolved grievances with the administration, stating, We spoke to students who had some issues with the LPU administration. We heard them and are trying to get them resolved.
The police deployed a heavy force at the university and worked to restore normal traffic on the blocked highways. Toora also mentioned that an assessment of the damage to university property was underway, with legal action pending. However, the situation was described as completely under control.
Social Media’s Role in Escalating Unrest
The protests followed a protest by students at Chitkara University in Patiala, where students had held a protest following unverified claims on social media that two female students had allegedly died by suicide on the campus. In both cases, social media played a central role in amplifying unverified reports, leading to real-world disruptions. At LPU, the viral post about the rape prompted immediate action from students, who demanded accountability from the administration.
The university’s statement emphasized that the circulation of the information appeared to be a deliberate and concerted attempt
to malign its reputation and tarnish its image.
This aligns with broader concerns about misinformation on social media, which can rapidly escalate into physical confrontations and public disorder.
Unresolved Questions and Next Steps
While the police have dismissed the rape allegation as unsubstantiated, the origin of the viral social media post remains under investigation. Authorities are also looking into the circumstances surrounding the spread of the claim. Meanwhile, the university faces pressure to address student grievances, with some protesters alleging that complaints about the administration were not properly addressed.
The incident highlights the challenges of managing misinformation in real time, particularly in educational institutions where student activism can quickly turn volatile. As the investigation continues, the broader implications of social media’s role in shaping public perception—and the responsibility of institutions to verify claims before reacting—remain unresolved.