Punjab campus violence prompts calls for inquiry as university blames outsiders

Political parties in Punjab have demanded investigations into violent protests at Lovely Professional University after students alleged that a female hosteller had been raped and accused authorities of failing to act. Protesters blocked the National Highway 44 near Phagwara, vandalised university property and clashed with police on Sunday. The alleged victim has not been identified.

The university has denied the allegations, while police registered a rape case against unknown persons and formed a special investigation team. Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav visited the university on Monday. He said those responsible for vandalism would face action and that police had exercised restraint during the confrontation.

Opposition leaders criticised the Aam Aadmi Party government over what they described as a deteriorating law-and-order situation. Former BJP Punjab president Sunil Jakhar alleged that armed outsiders had become involved and called for a National Investigation Agency inquiry. Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia also alleged that outsiders had been brought in to provoke the agitation and demanded a central investigation.

Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring called for an independent probe and referred to a separate protest at Chitkara University. Police there said allegations that two students had died by suicide and that their bodies were disposed of were unfounded after an initial investigation. Lovely Professional University suspended classes for 10 days and postponed midterm examinations.

Vice-Chancellor Jaspal Singh said student representatives had agreed that outsiders unlawfully entered the campus to disturb peace. The university also released a video of three female students appearing to dismiss the rape claims, but the students later said their consent had not been obtained and that the video had been edited. They said they were subsequently abused and harassed.