Students at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab’s Phagwara damaged property and blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara national highway early Sunday following unverified reports on social media about the alleged rape of a female student. Police said they had no information of any such crime.Police say rumours triggered campus unrestKapurthala Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Toora said police received information around 1.45 am that students had gathered on the LPU campus and blocked a road. Addressing the unverified rape claim, Toora said, “When we reached here, we came to know that there were rumours. Because of the rumours, students gathered here”.Videos circulating on social media showed students damaging window panes and flower pots, while some objects were also seen being set on fire. The students also blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara national highway.Students raise grievances with university administrationToora said police spoke to students who raised issues with the LPU administration and that efforts were being made to address their concerns.“We spoke to students who had some issues with the LPU administration. We heard them and are trying to get them resolved. The situation is completely under control,” the SSP said.He added that students told police their grievances were not being addressed properly. An assessment of the property damage is under way, and necessary legal action will be taken, Toora said.
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A heavy police force has been deployed at the university, with police stating that the situation is now under control.Chitkara University protest a day earlierThe incident came a day after students at Chitkara University in Patiala held a protest following unverified claims on social media that two female students had allegedly died by suicide on the campus. Students had also damaged a police vehicle during that protest.